Marcos, Trump strike trade, security deal at White House
Philippine president caps state visit with Oval Office summit; new tariff terms and defense talks reaffirm U.S.–Philippine ties
by AJPress
WAshiNGtoN, D.c. — Philippine President ferdinand “Bongbong” marcos Jr. met with U.s. President Donald trump at the White house on July 22, 2025, concluding a three-day official visit that underscored the enduring alliance between the United states and the Philippines amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in the indo-Pacific. in a joint appearance before reporters at the White house, President trump announced a newly negotiated trade arrangement under which the United states will impose a 19% tariff on goods imported from the Philippines—down from a previously considered 20% rate. in exchange, the Philippines has agreed to grant duty-free access to U.s. exports.
ICE Chief: Agents will arrest anyone found in US illegally regardless of criminal history
Los ANGeLes — U.s immigration and customs enforcement (ice) agents will arrest any undocumented immigrant found in the country illegally, regardless of whether they have a criminal record, Acting ice Director todd Lyons confirmed in a recent interview aired by cBs News.
in a sharp escalation of the agency’s enforcement posture, Lyons stated: if we encounter someone who’s here in the country illegally, we will take them into custody.” the remarks mark a shift from prior policies that prioritized apprehension of individuals with serious criminal offenses or national security concerns.
As US government pushes self-deportation, legal experts warn of risks
Despite the Trump administration’s assurances, the risk to those who self-deport can be significant
the trump administration is aggressively pushing self-deportation for undocumented immigrants living in the U.s Part of that strategy involves stoking fear in communities through highly publicized enforcement activities.
But legal experts say, despite government assurances, the risk to those who do self-deport can be significant.
“once they’re gone, they might be stuck on the outside for years, or it could be forever,” says Professor Gabriel “Jack” chin, director of clinical Legal education at the University of california, Davis school of Law.
President Marcos is a very good and tough negotiator,” trump said. “They’ve been very serious. This is a very serious negotiation. They wanted it badly. We wanted it. “We’re going to be putting a 19% tariff on products coming in from the Philippines. They’re going to be taking our products in for nothing. That’s what we wanted, and we got it. “We’re very close to finishing a big trade deal with the Philippines.
trump characterized the outcome as a move toward a “very open market” between the two nations, adding that the Philippines is a “very important nation militarily.”
Strategic talks and diplomatic engagements in addition to the oval office summit, President
SC bars impeachment case vs. VP Sara Duterte under one-year rule
The Philippine Supreme Court has declared the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte unconstitutional, citing the one-year bar and due process violations
by AJPress
mANiLA — the supreme court on thursday, July 25, unanimously ruled that the impeachment complaint against Vice President sara Duterte is unconstitutional, citing the 1987
Senators: Sara Duterte impeachment court to proceed despite SC order
mANiLA — senators on friday, July 25 said the impeachment court against Vice President sara Duterte would still proceed even after a supreme court (sc) decision declaring the fourth impeachment complaint against her as “unconstitutional.”
sen. Joel Villanueva explained that this is because the impeachment court is “sui generis,” a legal term meaning it is unique and operates independently from the procedures applying to regular courts.
“Whether the supreme court made that decision or not, the impeachment court will proceed. We’ll proceed,” said Villanueva in a chance interview.
i’m sure someone will raise it during the impeachment proceedings. for sure, someone will raise it. But the impeachment court is sui generis. so we will proceed. so these are all questions that will be raised with the decision of the supreme court,” he added. he likened it to what occurred during former chief Justice renato corona’s impeachment proceedings where the sc issued
Doj withdraws appeal on
De Lima acquittal
The DOJ has withdrawn its appeal of Leila de Lima’s acquittal in a drug case, with Prosecutor General Fadullon admitting the motion “should not have been filed,” signaling a shift in prosecutorial policy
by AJPress
mANiLA — in a move signaling a rare admission of prosecutorial error, the Philippine Department of Justice (DoJ) has withdrawn its attempt to overturn the acquittal of former senator Leila de Lima in one of her long-running drug cases. the motion for reconsideration—filed earlier this year—was rescinded on orders from Prosecutor General richard Anthony fadullon, who acknowledged that the appeal “should not have been filed in the
constitution’s one-year bar on initiating multiple impeachment proceedings against the same official. in an en banc decision, the high tribunal declared the articles of impeachment transmitted to the senate earlier this
year as “void and of no force and effect,” effectively halting any further legislative action against the vice president. the court also underscored due process violations throughout the proceedings.
Pacquiao held to draw in comeback: A champion’s
by AJPress
spirit still shines at 46
LAs VeGAs — on the evening of July 19, 2025, manny Pacquiao returned to the ring at age 46—older, wiser, and still hungry. facing reigning WBc welterweight champion mario Barrios at the mGm Grand, Pacquiao wasn’t just fighting for a title. he was fighting for something more enduring: legacy. the bout ended in a majority draw. two judges scored the fight 114–114, while one gave Barrios a narrow edge at 115–113. Barrios retained the belt, but the night belonged to Pacquiao— proof that time may slow a man, but it cannot silence a legend. From the streets to the pinnacle of boxing manny Pacquiao’s story is no ordinary rise. Born in Kibawe, Bukidnon, and raised in the streets of General santos city,
The House of Romualdez: Legacy, power, and a family that runs through congress
by AJPress
mANiLA — it’s not every day that a single family commands three seats in the Philippine house of representatives. then again, the romualdezes are not just any family. in the gleaming marble halls of Batasang Pambansa, where power is worn like a tailored barong and words are weaponized with grace, the romualdez name carries an unmistakable weight. martin, the speaker— calculating, composed, and unfailingly courteous. Yedda, his wife—an elegant presence, with pageant queen poise and political precision. And now, Andrew
Julian, their son—fresh-faced, camera-ready, and armed with both a surname and a mandate. together, they form something rare even in the Philippines’ dynasty-laden political theater: a father, mother, and son serving simultaneously in congress. it is equal parts spectacle and strategy.
“the house is in session—and so is the family,” one capitol hill staffer quipped, only half in jest.
The dynasty wakes to understand the romualdez rise, one must begin not in 2025, but in the palatial mansions of san Juan, where marble staircases once echoed with the click of
house Speaker Martin romualdez
Photo from
Marcos, Trump strike trade, security...
marcos held a series of high-level meetings during his visit:
• At the Pentagon, Marcos met with U.s secretary of Defense Pete hegseth on July 21, where both sides reaffirmed their mutual defense commitments, particularly in the context of maritime cooperation in the indo-Pacific region.
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted marcos at the state Department for discussions focused on trade, regional security, and diplomatic coordination.
• Marcos also met privately with central intelligence Agency (ciA) Director John ratcliffe at ciA headquarters in Langley, Virginia. the Philippine Presidential communications office confirmed the meeting, although no details were released publicly.
Domestic and regional response in manila, Philippine officials publicly welcomed the outcomes of the Washington visit. trade secretary roque reiterated the country’s commitment to pursuing “balanced” trade partnerships and expressed readiness to engage with U.s. stakeholders on sectoral cooperation. meanwhile, labor and industry groups raised concerns about the potential impact of the 19% tariff on key Philippine export sectors such as electronics and agricultural goods, which are heavily dependent on access to the U.s. market. in Beijing, china’s ministry of foreign Affairs issued a statement calling on all parties to avoid actions that might “escalate tensions” in the south china sea, where the Philippines is
a claimant and has reported repeated encounters with chinese vessels in its exclusive economic zone.
Charting future ties marcos’s return to the White house—his first since trump’s second term began in January 2025—was seen as a reaffirmation of a decades-old security and economic alliance shaped by evolving regional challenges. While no formal joint statement was issued, both sides described the discussions as productive and based on mutual strategic interest.
the visit positioned the Philippines as the first southeast Asian country to engage in a state-level summit with the trump administration in its current term, setting the stage for further cooperation in trade, defense, and diplomacy in the coming months. n
SC bars impeachment case vs. VP Sara...
“The Constitution imposes a clear prohibition against initiating more than one impeachment proceeding within a one-year period. The present complaint violates that rule,” the decision stated, referencing Article Xi section 3(5) of the 1987 Philippine constitution.
the impeachment case, filed in february 2025, marked the fourth attempt within 12 months to remove Duterte from office. earlier complaints, although not endorsed by the house justice committee, were still considered sufficient to trigger the constitutional clock, according to the justices.
Vice President Duterte, through her legal team, earlier questioned the validity of the complaint in a formal reply filed on June 23. her filing, titled Answer Ad cautelam, argued that the impeachment case was not only procedurally flawed but also politically motivated and lacking in legal merit.
These articles of impeachment are nothing but a scrap of paper,” Duterte’s camp said in its filing.
the senate, which began preliminary steps toward forming an impeachment court in June, had already expressed concerns about the complaint’s legal
standing. on June 10, senators opted to remand the articles back to the house of representatives, pending legal clarity—a move that anticipated thursday’s ruling.
house leaders have yet to respond formally to the supreme court’s decision, but legal experts note that congress is now barred from filing any new impeachment complaint against Vice President Duterte until february 2026, based on the one-year rule. the dismissed complaint had accused Duterte of corruption, betrayal of public trust, and alleged misuse of confidential and intelligence funds during her tenure as education secretary. Duterte has denied all charges and said the complaint was part of a broader political effort to undermine her ahead of the 2028 presidential elections. Constitutional basis: Oneyear impeachment bar Article Xi section 3(5) of the 1987 constitution provides: No impeachment proceedings shall be initiated against the same official more than once within a period of one year.” the supreme court clarified that this applies regardless of whether earlier complaints are dismissed or not acted upon. the initiation of a complaint—
once formally filed and referred to the house committee on Justice—activates the one-year restriction.
Legal and political implications the supreme court’s ruling bars any new impeachment complaint against Vice President Duterte until february 2026, unless it involves entirely new and unrelated charges. Under Article Xi, section 3(5) of the 1987 constitution, no impeachment proceedings may be initiated more than once against the same official within a one-year period.
Legal experts view the decision as a strong affirmation of judicial oversight in the impeachment process, emphasizing the need for constitutional compliance and due process protections—even in highly politicized proceedings. the senate, having earlier deferred action on the case, is expected to formally archive the impeachment records in light of the supreme court’s declaration that the complaint is void. this marks the first instance in Philippine legal history where the supreme court has struck down an impeachment complaint on constitutional grounds before it reached trial, setting a precedent for future congressional action. n
Senators: Sara Duterte impeachment court to...
a temporary restraining order — but the senate impeachment court ultimately ignored it after voting to do so.
So there is a precedent … it’s still the impeachment court’s decision,” he said.
sen. Vicente sotto iii shared the same thing, saying that he was told by a “legal luminary” that the senate impeachment court could disregard the sc decision. however, he also said that the lawyer’s advice would still be studied.
Being a member of the impeachment court, I would rather hear what the [House of Representatives] has to say,” said sotto in a separate ambush interview.
“I was just told by a legal luminary that in this situation, we can disregard the SC decision. Let me study that advice,” he added. sotto, however, later stated in a message to reporters that while the decision was “unexpected,” he submitted to the judicial wisdom of the sc
ate’s constitutional mandate and authority are clear, so the impeachment process should be respected,” said Aquino.
“I call on my fellow senators to immediately hold a caucus to discuss the decision that disregards our constitutional duty,” he added.
sen. risa hontiveros, meanwhile, expressed confusion over the sc’s decision, which cited a violation of the “one-year bar rule” on impeachment complaints.
One thing we find puzzling is how the “one-year bar rule” was violated when only a single case was filed with the Senate,” said hontiveros.
Galangin at respetuhin ang desisyon ng Korte Suprema (respect and uphold the decision of the Supreme Court),” said marcos in a statement.
“To my fellow senators — it’s time to get back to work. Let’s focus on serving the people. Enough with the politics, for now!” she added. meanwhile, sen. ronald dela rosa invoked the guidance of the holy spirit” in welcoming the sc’s decision.
When I moved for the dismissal of the impeachment complaint vs Vice President Sara, I was guided by the Holy Spirit,” said dela rosa in a facebook post.
“When the SC ruled it as unconstitutional I’m sure they were guided also by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit defeated the forces of evil! Hallelujah!” he added.
senate President pro tempore Jinggoy estrada also welcomed the decision, tagging it as a “vital reminder that all efforts to hold public officials accountable must be firmly grounded in legality and due process.”
“It is unexpected, but to preserve our system of government, that the Supreme Court is the sole judge of the constitutionality of executive and legislative actions, I submit to their judicial wisdom,” said sotto. he then noted how there has been a “climate change,” since the high court used to refrain from touching political issues.
There was a time when the Court did not touch a political question. This is a complete climate change, exactly on the eve of the opening of the 20th Congress,” said sotto.
When asked if the senate impeachment court would still have to convene before deciding what to do, sotto responded that he is still studying it, and is seeking advice from legal experts.
sen. Bam Aquino, for his part, expressed his sentiments that the impeachment trial must still proceed and called for a caucus to tackle the sc decision and the senate’s constitutional role.
As a co-equal branch, the Sen-
citing a previous decision, Gutierrez vs. house of representatives (G.r. No. 193459), hontiveros pointed out how the sc made it clear that the one-year bar rule “refers to the element of time, and not the number of complaints.” the sc, said hontiveros, also stated that “the measure of protection afforded by the constitution is that if the impeachable officer is made to undergo such ride, he or she should be made to traverse it just once.”
hontiveros also lamented how the sc seemed to have added more requirements to the process of impeachment.
“I can only hope that this new ruling will not adversely affect future efforts to hold our highest public officers accountable,” said hontiveros.
she then maintained that all public officials should be held accountable and that the public has every right to demand answers.
“We will fight for this,” she said in filipino.
Other senators say otherwise
While some senators already declared their intent to ensure that the impeachment trial will continue against Duterte, others expressed the opposite — particularly those who are allied with the vice president.
sen. imee marcos said the sc should be respected and called on her fellow senators to “resume working.”
As a co-equal branch of government, we must abide by the decision of the Supreme Court. Even in a political process like impeachment proceedings, we must adhere to established procedures and due process to ensure that our actions are neither arbitrary nor solely driven by political agendas,” said estrada in a statement.
“Now, we can focus on more pressing issues confronting the country, as well as the rehabilitation of areas devastated by the spate of typhoons that have hit the country over the past several days,” he added. sen. sherwin Gatchalian also recognized the sc’s authority, stating that his actions have always been guided by the constitution.
The Supreme Court has spoken and I respect the unanimous decision of the Court declaring the House of Representatives’ impeachment complaint unconstitutional,” said Gatchalian in a statement. n
Doj withdraws appeal on De Lima...
first place.”
the motion, which had sought to reverse a 2023 ruling by the muntinlupa regional trial court (rtc) Branch 204 clearing de Lima of conspiracy to commit illegal drug trading, was officially withdrawn on July 22. the former senator was previously accused of allowing drug syndicates to operate in the New Bilibid Prison during her term as justice secretary—allegations she has consistently denied.
“Upon thorough review, I concluded that the motion for reconsideration was unwarranted,” fadullon stated. “We are duty-bound to ensure that legal actions reflect both the evidence and the interest of justice.”
De Lima: A step toward justice
De Lima, who was detained for nearly seven years before being granted temporary liberty in November 2023, welcomed the development. her lawyers called the DoJ’s action a validation of the court’s original decision to acquit. This development strengthens the court’s finding that the evidence was insufficient and unreliable,” said Atty. Boni tacardon. “We thank the DOJ for reassessing its position.
De Lima remains on trial for a third and final drug-related case—criminal case No. 17166—still pending before another muntinlupa court. two of the government’s key witnesses in that case, former Bureau of corrections officer-in-charge rafael ragos and former aide ronnie Dayan, have since recanted their testimonies, citing alleged coercion and political pressure. I await my full vindication,” de Lima said in a brief statement. “I
thank all those who have stood by me in my fight for justice.
Years of controversy the former senator’s arrest in 2017 made international headlines, with human rights groups, lawmakers, and global institutions denouncing what they described as politically motivated charges.
De Lima had been a prominent critic of former President rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs, launching senate investigations into extrajudicial killings linked to police operations. her incarceration drew repeated calls for release from the United Nations, Amnesty international, the inter-Parliamentary Union, and foreign governments including the United states and members of the european Union. Shift in DOj posture fadullon’s directive marks a notable shift under the DoJ leadership of Justice secretary Jesus crispin remulla, who has called for “evidence-based prosecution” and the depoliticization of the justice system. Legal observers say the withdrawal may reflect a broader effort to recalibrate prosecutorial discretion following years of public and international
scrutiny. This move could be read as a signal that the DOJ is trying to rebuild public trust and reinforce its institutional independence,” said constitutional law professor Antonio La Viña. “It also shows a recognition that mistakes must be corrected—even if belatedly.” the DoJ has not confirmed whether similar reviews are underway for other controversial cases but emphasized that “each case must stand on its own merits.” Toward justice and reform since regaining her provisional liberty in 2023 after nearly seven years in detention, de Lima and her supporters have continued to push for reforms to prevent the weaponization of the legal system. Justice delayed is justice denied,” said former supreme court Associate Justice Antonio carpio. “Accountability must extend beyond the courtroom to those who misuse the law.” With the DoJ’s latest decision, many see a turning point—not only for de Lima’s legal battle, but for public perception of institutional accountability in
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rep. Leila de Lima (Mamamayang Liberal Partylist) in a speech during the launch of Project Transitional Justice on July 12, 2025. Contributed photo
raIN ShoWer a group of policemen rush to cross an intersection amid a sudden downpour in Cubao, Quezon City on Friday, July 25. Metro Manila continues to experience moderate to heavy rains due to the enhanced southwest monsoon. PNa photo by Joan Bondoc
Pacquiao held to draw in comeback...
he sold bread and cigarettes as a child to feed his family. At 14, he left home, slept on cardboard in manila, and took up boxing as a means of survival.
By 16, he turned professional. his rise was meteoric—winning world titles in eight weight divisions, a feat no other boxer in history has matched. he defeated titans like marco Antonio Barrera, miguel cotto, and oscar De La hoya, and became a global force not just in the ring but in the hearts of millions.
Pacquiao was never the biggest fighter. But he didn’t need to be. he climbed to the top not with size, but with grit—a fearless, fighting spirit honed by hardship and hardened by hunger.
A senator, a servant, a dreamer
By the 2010s, Pacquiao had expanded his battles from the ring to the political arena. elected to the Philippine congress and later to the senate, he advocated for poverty alleviation, education, and anti-corruption reforms. in 2022, he made a bold run for the presidency of the Philippines. he lost. the campaign ended with a third-place finish in the national vote. But Pacquiao accepted defeat with humility and grace, saying, “i will continue to serve the people in whatever way I can. for many, the loss humanized him even more. he had dared to dream—again—and handled disappointment with the same dignity he showed in victory.
The comeback that transcended titles three years after his retirement, Pacquiao announced a comeback. critics questioned the move. At 46, what more could he prove? Plenty. on fight night, he showcased flashes of the fighter the world fell in love with. his footwork, timing, and flurries of punches dominated the middle rounds.
Barrios, 16 years younger at age 30, rallied late and secured the draw by taking the 12th round on all cards. Yet Pacquiao walked away as only he could: with his chin up, his legacy intact, and the roar of fans in his ears.
I thought I won the fight,” Pacquiao said afterward. It was a close fight. My opponent was very tough. It was a wonderful fight.” A worthy opponent in Barrios for his part, mario Barrios
Manny Pacquiao earns up to $20 million in comeback fight vs. Barrios
LAs VeGAs – Boxing icon manny Pacquiao was expected to take home as much as $20 million from his July 19, 2025 bout against reigning WBc welterweight champion mario Barrios, according to multiple reports detailing fighter purses and projected pay-perview revenue. the 46-year-old filipino legend—who returned to the ring after nearly four years in retirement—earned a guaranteed purse of $12 million, with an additional $5 to $8 million estimated from pay-per-view shares and promotional bonuses. if projections hold, Pacquiao’s total compensation could reach $17 million to $20 million, making it one of his highest paydays since facing floyd mayweather Jr. in 2015.
Barrios, 30, received a guaranteed payout of $1 million. While his share of PPV revenue is expected to be modest compared to Pacquiao’s, the titleholder still secured the biggest purse of his career. the fight, held at the t-mobile Arena in Las Vegas, ended in a majority draw, with two judges scoring it evenly (114-114) and one narrowly favoring Barrios (115-113). Although no winner was declared, the bout marked a triumphant return for Pacquiao, who showcased flashes of his trademark speed and aggression despite the age gap.
Pacquiao’s impressive earnings reaffirm his global draw and the enduring interest in his legendary career. With no formal retirement announcement yet, speculation continues on whether this was a one-time comeback—or the prelude to another title campaign. (AJPress)
proved he was more than just the younger fighter—he was a composed and technically sound champion. the 30-year-old texan absorbed Pacquiao’s early pressure and executed a smart, measured strategy down the stretch. his strong finish in the final round sealed the draw and allowed him to retain the WBc welterweight title. After the bout, Barrios showed deep respect for the filipino icon, calling it an “honor” to share the ring with a legend. Generations apart, but shoulder to shoulder When mario Barrios was just 8 years old, manny Pacquiao had already shaken the boxing world. in 2003, Pacquiao delivered a career-defining knockout of marco Antonio Barrera—a stunning victory that announced his arrival as a global force. While Barrios was still in grade school, Pacquiao was already headlining pay-per-views, earning his place among the sport’s elite. more than two decades later, they stood shoulder to shoulder in the same ring—proof that greatness can endure and even span generations.
More than a champion even outside the ring, Pacquiao’s impact endures. he has built homes for the
poor, funded surgeries and scholarships, and launched charitable foundations. he has been a voice for the underprivileged, a symbol of resilience, and a beacon for filipino pride on the world stage. he has inspired not only with his fists but with his faith, generosity, and relentless hope.
“You don’t need to be born into privilege to do something great,” Pacquiao once said. “You just need to believe and never stop fighting.” Final bell, eternal legacy manny Pacquiao may never become president. he may never fight again. But what he’s given the world, through struggle, sacrifice, and service, will never fade. he is not just the greatest filipino boxer of all time. he is one of history’s most remarkable lives. from cardboard floors to championship belts. from poverty to greatness. from the streets to the pinnacle of boxing.
And on this July night in Las Vegas, manny Pacquiao reminded fans and critics alike –yet again: champions aren’t defined by titles. they’re forged through grit. n
ICE Chief: Agents will arrest anyone...
“We still prioritize the worst of the worst,” Lyons said. “But we’re not going to turn our back on immigration violations just because someone doesn’t have a rap sheet.” the policy, which has alarmed immigrant communities and civil rights advocates, reflects a broader strategy by the Biden administration’s successor, President Donald trump, to intensify immigration enforcement and override sanctuary policies in place in multiple states and cities.
‘Collateral arrests’ expand
Under the expanded guidance, ice officers conducting workplace operations or targeted arrests will now also detain any undocumented individuals encountered at the scene—even if they were not initially targeted. these so-called “collateral arrests” have been criticized by human rights groups as indiscriminate and likely to create fear among law-abiding immigrant communities.
ice has said the increased community operations stem from local law enforcement agencies refusing to honor ice detainers—requests to hold undocumented individuals already in jail for transfer to federal custody. “When jurisdictions won’t cooperate, it forces us to go out into communities,” Lyons told cBs
As of July 2025, ice has reinstated workplace raids in several states and revived its controversial “no sanctuary” policy, allowing agents to conduct arrests even near sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, and courthouses—actions once discouraged under previous administrations.
Raising the stakes: New detention policies and quotas
According to an internal Dhs memo obtained by the Associated Press, ice has also ramped up daily arrest quotas and reduced detainee access to immigration bond hearings. A proposal introduced earlier this month aims to deny initial hearings for certain detainees, effectively prolonging detention without judicial review. civil liberties groups have already filed legal challenges.
the agency has received increased funding to expand detention bed capacity and transport resources. in fiscal year 2025, ice aims to detain between 3,000 to 7,000 individuals per day, up from a daily average of 1,900 earlier this year.
Advocacy groups push back immigrant advocacy organizations have called the new policies “inhumane, reckless, and legally questionable.” the American civil Liberties Union (AcLU) and the National immigration Law center (NiLc) warn that due process rightsare being undermined by the removal of oversight mechanisms such as bond hearings and caseby-case discretion.
“We’re deeply concerned that ice is criminalizing presence
Zepeda at zepedav@metro.net.
7/26/25 cNs-3949507# AsiAN JoUrNAL (L.A.)
CaShLeSS. Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon uses the virtual wallet gCash to enter the Metro rail Transit-3 ayala station in Makati City on Friday, July 25. Passengers can also use Visa or Mastercard debit and credit cards to pay for their MrT-3 fares. PNa photo by Joan Bondoc
The House of Romualdez: Legacy, power...
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imelda marcos’s stilettos. martin romualdez, nephew to the former first Lady, was born into the kind of privilege that comes preloaded with connections. martin’s father, the late Benjamin “Kokoy” romualdez, was no ordinary provincial governor. Appointed as Governor of Leyte from 1967 to 1986, and later posted as Philippine Ambassador to china, saudi Arabia, and the United states, Kokoy was a trusted lieutenant of his brother-in-law, President ferdinand marcos sr. he was also the younger brother of imelda romualdez marcos, reputed as one of the wealthiest men in Asia during the marcos years, Kokoy was also the patriarch of a political lineage that would survive People Power, exile, and regime changes. martin, Kokoy’s son, was shaped in this atmosphere of quiet dominance. he studied abroad—cornell for economics, University of the Philippines for law, and harvard for leadership—and re-entered Philippine politics not as a firebrand, but as a calculated operator, rising to the speakership with surgical precision. When he ascended to the third highest position in the land, it was more than political choreography. it was restoration.
Lady of the House
But a dynasty isn’t built alone. Yedda marie Kittilstvedt romualdez, the Norwegian-filipina beauty queen-turned-congresswoman, has mastered the art of modern filipina power— equal parts grace and grit.
Binibining Pilipinas–international 1996, trained as a nurse, and a mother of four, Yedda made her initial foray into politics as district representative for Leyte, filling in for her husband when term limits necessitated a strategic retreat. But make no mistake: she is not merely holding space.
Now back in congress as tingog’s third nominee, Yedda returned through the party-list’s backdoor shuffle—thanks to a series of resignations from higher-ranked nominees. that move—entirely legal, expertly timed—allowed her to rejoin her husband and son in the chamber, solidifying the romualdez foothold. her public statements are rare, but her presence is palpable. she brings a kind of velvety
discipline to the party’s messaging: always for the people, never against the president. The heir apparent enter Andrew Julian romualdez, a new face with an old name. At just 26, he carries both the burden and the privilege of expectation. A graduate of Ateneo de manila University with business credentials and glossy confidence, he was sworn in on June 30, 2025, as the first nominee of tingog party-list—a vehicle his family helped cultivate into a regional powerhouse. if martin is the tactician and Yedda the symbol, Andrew is the soft launch of the next generation—a romualdez 2.0 calibrated for the digital age. he speaks in hashtags. he poses well in sneakers and denim. he knows how to say “public service” with enough sincerity to disarm a skeptic. insiders say he is being groomed not just for reelection, but for a leadership role within a few years. “A youthful voice for Eastern Visayas” reads the press release. But his last name says everything else.
A family affair Political dynasties are nothing new in the Philippines. from the Dutertes in Davao to the estradas in san Juan, the architecture of power often resembles a family tree. But three seats under one household? that’s a first. to critics, it’s a red flag for the unfulfilled promise of constitutional reform. to allies, it’s merely efficiency—“a family aligned in values and vision,” as one tingog supporter described it. even the President, Bongbong marcos Jr., has remained conspicuously silent about his cousins’ political proliferation. After all, martin is not just family—he
is the legislative bedrock of the marcos presidency. Without the speaker’s orchestration, much of malacañang’s agenda would remain ink on paper.
They don’t just speak for Leyte,” said one veteran political strategist. “They speak for the palace.”
Behind closed doors
What happens when policy, politics, and pedigree align within the walls of one home?
sources close to the romualdez circle describe a family that treats power not as spoils, but as stewardship. mornings may begin with a rundown of committee briefings over breakfast. Legislative proposals may be edited over dinner. in this house, the dining table may well be a war room.
But they are careful, always. the romualdezes, unlike the more theatrical branches of Philippine politics, do not grandstand. their power is exercised in quiet corridors—in appointments made, budgets steered, and bills calendared.
The legacy question it’s too early to say what the romualdez trio will leave behind. for now, the optics are undeniable: the speaker of the house, his wife, and their son, all wearing the congressional seal. for some, it’s a symbol of continuity. for others, a warning about the permanence of dynastic politics.
But for the romualdezes, it appears to be just another chapter in a story they believe is still unfolding.
We serve the public," martin once said, "and family is simply part of the service." in the republic of the Philippines, family is never just family. it’s policy. it’s platform. And sometimes, it’s the whole house. n
Governor Gavin Newsom signs Assemblymember Caloza’s first bill to expand food access for CalFresh families
sAcrAmeNto – this week, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 553, authored by Assemblymember Jessica m caloza (D-Los Angeles), marking her first bill to become law. AB 553 removes the requirement that the california Department of social services (Dss) must request federal waivers and approvals before expanding food options, including hot foods, for calfresh recipients and families. Every Californian deserves the dignity of knowing they can feed their family. AB 553 brings us closer to that reality,” said Assemblymember caloza. With AB 553, we are putting that principle into action for millions of families who rely on CalFresh to feed themselves and their children. At a time when the federal government is cutting vital nutrition assistance, California is once again stepping up to protect our most vulnerable communities.
more than 5.5 million californians rely on calfresh, with nearly 3 million living in deep poverty. As congress slashes funding for the supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (sNAP), AB 553 ensures that california can better respond to the urgent needs of families by removing unnecessary red tape that limits their food choices. During the devastating Los Angeles county wildfires and other disasters, Dss used Disaster calfresh to provide emergency eBt payments for families facing food insecurity. in 2023 alone, Disaster calfresh supported californians in 28 counties across five separate events, showing how critical it is for the state to act swiftly in times of crisis.
We are thrilled that AB 553 has been signed into law,” said shimica Gaskins, President and ceo, end child Poverty
california. “This legislation put California on record trusting people who access CalFresh to make food choices for their families. It ensures the dignity and privacy of every Californian in the grocery line, and continues to maximize hot foods that are critical for those who have lost everything following disasters. We thank Assemblymember Caloza for her committed leadership on this issue, and Governor Newsom for signing this impactful legislation.
“The signing of AB 553 is a long overdue step forward in making nutritious, affordable, prepared food truly accessible
to some of our most vulnerable folks who don’t have the ability to cook, but have CalFresh benefits,” said frank tamborello, Director of hunger Action Los Angeles. “That includes unhoused people, seniors, people living in places with no stoves, and those with disabilities.
“With this new law, California can move faster and smarter to meet families where they are, whether during a disaster or simply when they need a hot meal,” added caloza.
I’m grateful to the Governor for signing this bill and to our partners who continue to fight for food security for all.” n
As US government pushes self-deportation...
often, chin says, individuals in this situation have accrued a period of unlawful presence in the United states, which, after leaving the country, can trigger a multi-year or even permanent ban on reentry. consular officers, meanwhile, have broad discretion to deny future visa applications based on that history.
Anyone thinking about self-deporting should first consult with an immigration attorney or a reputable nonprofit organization that specializes in immigration law, stresses chin. there may be legal avenues to remain in the country, especially for those with U.s. citizen relatives or individuals who unknowingly hold U.s. citizenship through a parent or grandparent. many nonprofit organizations, such as chirLA, catholic charities, AsosAL, cAreceN, the san Bernardino community service center, and the Amica center, among others, provide free or low-cost legal services to immigrants.
‘scare a million people a year’ According to the Department of homeland security’s Project homecoming website, undocumented immigrants who “self-deport” under the program can receive assistance in the form of a plane ticket, a $1,000 exit bonus, and forgiveness of fines for “failing to timely depart.”
russell Jauregui is an attorney at san Bernardino community service center, which supports immigrants with legal services and education. he says such statements, echoed in official ads running on local stations that promise, “if you leave now, you may have an opportunity to return,” offer a sense of “false hope” to communities experiencing fear and uncertainty over ongoing immigration raids. i think the administration is relying on self-deportation. in other words, i don’t think they can arrest and deport a million people a year… but they can scare a million people a year,” explains Professor hiroshi motomura, faculty co-director at the center for immigration Law and Policy at the University of california, Los Angeles (UcLA).
ice arrests have surpassed the 100,000 mark during trump’s second term, with pressure on the agency to meet a goal of 3,000 arrests per day nationwide.
it remains unclear how many have participated in the Project homecoming program. A Dhs press release in may suggested some 64 individuals had chosen to be returned to honduras and colombia. mexican officials re-
portedly confirmed that a small number of those detained in recent raids in Los Angeles opted to self-deport rather than face extended detention or removal proceedings.
the administration also recently deported several individuals to the small African nation of eswatini. the five men hail from Vietnam, Jamaica, Laos, cuba, and Yemen. for motomura, such tactics are part of a broader strategy. “It’s really a central feature of the administration strategy to scare people and then to get people to leave on their own,” he says.
‘Why don’t you just go to jail?’
Amelia Dagen is an attorney with the Amica center, which provides legal representation to immigrants. she told the marshall Project that government materials once used to share information about legal services are now being replaced by posters promoting self-deportation. such pamphlets are not only posted in detention centers, she says, but also appear in courtroom lobbies, and are even passed out with official court documents.
Advocates say the effort is part of a strategy to discourage people from seeking legal assistance. “They’re trying to lock as many people up and they don’t want them talking to attorneys,” says attorney Nicholas mireles, who has been representing immigrants for more than twelve years. “They don’t want them, you know, asking about their rights.” the whole approach undermines due process, insists mireles, offering the analogy of someone in criminal proceedings being told by the court, instead of going through the trial and witnesses and having the government prove their case, why don’t you just go to jail?” Still thinking of self-deporting? for those still contemplating self-deportation, chin says they should gather and preserve key documents that may become essential later on, especially if they hope to return or apply for legal status in the future. financial records—such as tax returns, pay stubs, or any proof of tax payment—can be especially important, as some legalization programs require evidence of tax compliance. similarly, proof of residence is often a critical component in immigration cases, so items like utility bills, rental agreements, or lease receipts should be collected to demonstrate sustained residence in the U.s chin also emphasizes that individuals leaving the country should
carry official documentation for any U.s.-born children or relatives traveling with them, including birth certificates and passports.
It might not make a difference right now,” he admits. “But over the years, various kinds of proposed and actual legalization programs have depended on a certain period of residence in the United States, and so it could become relevant in the future. for those who own property, a power of attorney can be essential. more urgently, for anyone leaving behind children or dependents, it’s vital to ensure proper legal custody arrangements are in place. each state has different laws, but generally, someone must be legally designated to make decisions regarding a child’s education, medical care, and day-to-day needs. in many cases, appointing a legal guardian is the appropriate step, and it may require formal legal proceedings. chin warns that those preparing to self-deport are still susceptible to law enforcement if they have pending criminal cases or outstanding warrants. in such situations, consulting a criminal defense attorney beforehand is critical, he says. Seek help and don’t jump to conclusions in moments when confusion and fear feel overwhelming, reaching out can be the most important first step, explains mireles. While resources are stretched, trusted networks— whether a church, school, or community organization—can offer guidance at no cost. “Information is power,” he notes, adding that the hardest part is often finding the courage to ask for help.
“People just have to try not to jump to conclusions or make life-changing decisions all of a sudden,” he advises. “Maybe waiting and seeing and giving it a week, giving it a month that day-by-day approach may be the best thing they can do for themselves and their family. he adds, “I think the point of everything these days is to overwhelm people so much so that they just give up. But, like anything in this world, when you feel that way… that’s when you have to really dig down deep and ask for help.” (Roxsy Lin/Inquirer. net) This story is part of “Aquí Estamos/Here We Stand,” a collaborative reporting project of American Community Media and ethnic/community news outlets statewide tracking how current White House policies are impacting Californians, especially in rural regions, and how residents are responding.
PAGE A1
rep. Yedda romualdez with husband, house Speaker Martin romualdez. Photo from Facebook/@iamMamrtinromualdez
Tingog Partylist representative andrew Julian romualdez house of representatives photo
assemblymember Jessica Caloza proudly represents the 52nd assembly District, which includes the Los angeles County communities of angelino heights, atwater Village, City Terrace, Cypress Park, eagle rock, east hollywood, east Los angeles, echo Park, el Sereno, elysian heights, glassell Park, garvanza, hermon, highland Park, Lincoln heights, Los Feliz, Montecito heights, Monterey hills, Mount Washington, Silver Lake, South glendale, and university hills.
DAteline PhiliPPines
ICC delays decision on Duterte’s request for interim release
The International Criminal Court has postponed its ruling on Rodrigo Duterte’s interim release, keeping him in custody while his legal team prepares further submissions by AJPress
the hAGUe, Netherlands — the international criminal court (icc) has postponed its decision on former Philippine President rodrigo Duterte’s request for interim release, allowing his legal team more time to provide additional information. in a ruling made public Wednesday evening, July 22, the icc’s Pre-trial chamber i said the decision would be deferred “until further action is undertaken by the defense on the matter,
or until when the chamber will deem it appropriate.” the court emphasized that the move does not signal approval or denial of Duterte’s appeal and should not be interpreted as favoring either side in the ongoing proceedings.
Judges iulia Antoanella motoc and reine Alapini-Gansou supported the deferral, while Judge socorro flores Liera issued a partial dissent, saying the chamber should proceed with a decision now. Duterte’s legal team had
requested the delay, citing the need to review redacted materials and submit a more complete response. the former president remains in icc custody while facing charges of crimes against humanity for thousands of killings linked to his administration’s controversial war on drugs. his lawyers have asked the court to release him temporarily while the case is ongoing. the icc has not set a timeline for when it will revisit the matter. n
Marcos thanks US for over $60 million assistance, upholding rule of law in the South China Sea
PresiDeNt ferdinand mar-
cos Jr. thanked the United states for pledging $15 million in new support for private sector development under the Luzon economic corridor, and $48 million in additional foreign assistance following a high-level three-day official visit to Washington D.c in a message upon his arrival from the U.s. on Wednesday night, July 23, marcos said “we will continue to work with the State Department as well with the U.S. Congress for the implementation of these programs.” in a statement issued earlier on Wednesday, the U.s. embassy in manila said the foreign assistance funding to support energy, maritime, and economic growth programs in the Philippines was discussed during the meeting between marcos and U.s secretary of state marco rubio on monday, July 21 (U.s. time), in Washington.
“This is the U.S. government’s first announcement of new foreign assistance for any country since the Trump administration began its review and realignment of foreign assistance in January,” the U.s. embassy said.
rubio announced that the U.s Department of state intends to work with the U.s congress to allocate $15 million to catalyze private sector development in
the Luzon economic corridor. “if approved, this funding will support investments in the areas of transport, logistics, energy, and semiconductors that will help create jobs and drive economic growth in the country,” the embassy said.
the embassy said marcos’ meetings with rubio, U.s President Donald trump, and U.s secretary of Defense Pete hegseth in Washington this week reaffirmed the U.s.’ ironclad commitment to the U.s.-Philippines alliance and advanced closer economic ties between the two nations.
in his message, marcos also said he returned to the country with over $21 billion in investment pledges that have the potential to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs for filipinos in the country.
“On the sidelines of his visit, I also met with business leaders and top executives of leading global investment, healthcare, infrastructure and semiconductor firms. Expanding our economic engagements to provide opportunities for building economic security and resilience was a key point in our discussions,” he noted.
Ironclad commitment marcos also said the visit reaffirmed the “breadth and depth” of the Philippines–U.s. alliance
across security, economic, and geopolitical cooperation.
in his meetings with trump, rubio and hegseth, marcos underscored the alliance’s role in upholding peace and stability in the south china sea and broader indo-Pacific, amid continued assertiveness by china.
in his meeting with trump on July 22, marcos said “we reaffirmed our ironclad commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty,” marcos said, citing discussions on cybersecurity, infrastructure resilience, and energy security.
I thank the United States for its consistent support for the preservation of regional peace and stability and for upholding the rule of law in the South China Sea.”
“The United States is our oldest and only treaty ally, and my visit to meet the new president is important in advancing our historic and dynamic cooperation, mutual respect and shared strategic interests,” marcos noted.
marcos said he is looking forward to hosting trump next year to attend the Association of southeast Asian Nations meetings under the Philippines’ chairmanship, which also coincides with the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Philippines, U.s. diplomatic relations and 75 years of the mDt (Philstar.com)
Former US ambassador to PH slams Trump tariff deal struck with Marcos
The Philippines must press for more robust talks with the U.S., says former Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr.
by Elton lugay Inquirer.net
WAshiNGtoN — A modest
U.s.-Philippines trade deal sealed at the White house tuesday, July 22 drew sharp criticism from former U.s. Ambassador to the Philippines harry thomas Jr., who warned that the new 19% tariff on Philippine goods puts the country at a continued economic disadvantage.
“The 19% tariff is a slight relief from the 20% originally floated by the Trump administration, but it still places Philippine exporters in a difficult position – especially compared to developing countries with free trade agreements like Mexico or Vietnam,” thomas told inquirer.net UsA.
he added that many Philippine businesses operate on highvolume, low-margin models –such as garments and agricultural products – making them especially vulnerable to even small increases in trade costs.
thomas, who was the U.s ambassador to the Philippines from 2010 to 2013, urged filipino trade leaders to pursue the renewal of the lapsed Generalized system of Preferences and explore deeper sectoral cooperation with Washington in areas like semiconductors and critical minerals.
“To add insult to injury,” he said, hours after meeting President Marcos, President Trump announced a 15% reciprocal tariff agreement with Japan. The Philippines must press for more robust talks and enact reforms to remain globally competitive,” he said.
President ferdinand marcos Jr. met with President Donald trump at the White house on tuesday in a visit aimed at reinforcing economic and defense ties between the longtime allies. the summit marked the first by an AseAN leader to the U.s. during trump’s second term.
the resulting agreement reduced U.s. tariffs on Philippine goods to 19%, while Philippine tariffs on U.s. imports were dropped to zero.
the two also reaffirmed the 1951 mutual Defense treaty and announced enhanced cooperation in cybersecurity, defense manufacturing and infrastructure development in the region.
After their bilateral meeting, marcos called the United states the Philippines’ “most reliable ally” and emphasized manila’s commitment to independent foreign policy even as geopolitical tensions rise in the south china sea.
trump called the U.s.Philippines relationship “ironclad” and praised marcos as “a tough negotiator.” the trade deal also drew sharp reactions from filipino American leaders.
New York state Assembly member steven raga, the first and only filipino elected official in the state, criticized the trade deal’s impact on working families and small businesses.
“Trump’s tariff policy is flat-out dangerous,” raga told inquirer. net UsA. “Raising tariffs on Philippine goods shipped into the United States will shift the burden onto consumers and place Filipino businesses at risk. During the pandemic, Filipino American healthcare workers were essential.
This 19% tariff shows just how quickly we are forgotten.” mariela fletcher, national chair of the National federation of filipino American Associations (NaffAA), echoed the economic concerns while calling for greater cooperation and fairness in the U.s.-Philippine trade relations.
“As Filipino Americans who value both our heritage and our economic ties with the Philippines, we are concerned about the high 19% tariff rate,” fletcher said in a statement sent to inquirer.net UsA. While the reduction from 20% is a small improvement, we continue to advocate for trade policies that promote economic bridges – not barriers – between our nations.
Lack of engagement with the Filipino community outside the White house, more than 100 protesters from filipino
American and immigrant rights organizations demonstrated during marcos’ visit, voicing opposition to both the increased tariffs and the expansion of
AsiAN JoUrNAL (L.A.)
FeAtures OPiniOn
Marcos, Trump, and the future of a strategic friendship
The recent summit between Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C. marked another chapter in the long and often complicated relationship between the two countries.
held at the White house on July 22, 2025, the meeting featured public pledges of strengthened cooperation, military alignment, and economic exchange—most notably, a negotiated 19% U.s tariff on Philippine imports, down from a previously proposed 20%, with the Philippines granting dutyfree access to American goods in return. for some, the numbers may seem minor. for others, they represent deeper currents in a relationship where trade, defense, and diplomacy are never far from politics. observers noted the tone of the summit: President trump, now in the final term of his presidency, appeared eager to secure legacyshaping agreements across the Pacific. President marcos, meanwhile, arrived with the weight of balancing regional pressures, a rising china, and expectations at home and abroad. their joint appearance in the oval office conveyed unity—but also reflected the uneven power dynamic that has long defined U.s.–Philippine ties. Whether this visit marked a new era in strategic trust or was simply a continuation of transactional politics is a question still unfolding.
Editorial
on the surface, the optics of camaraderie were unmistakable. the language was optimistic. the smiles were choreographed. But beneath that surface lie questions— some old, others urgent. What does it mean when a president agrees to open Philippine markets further in exchange for a marginal tariff reduction? how do filipinos—both in the homeland and in the diaspora—interpret this gesture? Are we looking at a partnership evolving in equality, or a relationship still rooted in deference?
filipino Americans, who watched from a distance, were not a central part of the summit’s official agenda. Despite their growing influence in U.s. society, their voices remain on the periphery when statecraft unfolds at this level. should that change? And if so, who will initiate that shift? the broader context matters. the Philippines continues to navigate regional tensions in the south china sea, where Beijing has grown more assertive. manila’s alignment with Washington offers reassurance to some—and concern to others who fear entanglement in great power politics. At what point does security cooperation become
Calamity exposes all
strategic dependence?
We raise these questions not to answer them definitively, but to suggest their importance. the true meaning of this summit may not lie in the speeches or press statements, but in what happens in the weeks, months, and years that follow. Will filipino exports grow under this new tariff structure? Will the benefits of trade reach ordinary workers and families? Will diplomatic
goodwill translate into long-term resilience for the Philippines—politically, economically, and culturally?
Diplomacy often moves in symbols and gestures. But history tends to reveal whether those gestures were substance or show. in this moment, perhaps what’s needed most is not celebration or condemnation—but reflection.
(AJPress)
As of this writing, rain continues to pour. the sun peeks out every now and then, but the week has been a never-ending gray. things have settled in some areas, with flood levels subsiding. other areas, however, continue to wait for any bit of relief, with some reports coming in that more rain might still occur.
Widespread calamity such as this exposes cracks in our exterior. What may have been deniable before refuses to be ignored now. Billions of pesos in flood control projects have been exposed to be severely lacking. corruption, clearly, isn’t harmless. the illicit system of allotting kickbacks for every government project means that these projects would have to make do with subpar materials, subpar design, and subpar labor. significant delays in repair and construction render our streets and communities vulnerable, with reports of construction posts obstructing vital drainage ways and children falling into construction pits. As we invest a lot of money
Demand and Supply
sometimes i wonder if this is still the same country i grew up in. social values have changed so much and often, not for the better. caring for senior citizens is one example.
it is sad that sen. Ping Lacson found it necessary to file a bill seeking to penalize those who fail to provide the necessary support to their aging, sick and incapacitated parents. When i was growing up, caring for aging parents wasn’t even discussed. it is simply provided by their children.
sen. Lacson observed that “Nowadays, the sights of abandoned elderly in our streets become typical. Children fail to provide the necessary support to their aging, sick and incapacitated parents. This happens despite our moral and natural obligation to maintain our parents who are in need of support. times have changed. my wife was telling me about her
in flood pumping stations, we have severely neglected our sanitation and waste management. the volume of trash in our drainage systems and waterways has sabotaged any efforts to control flooding. We shouldn’t have been blindsided by this; this is yet another longstanding problem that we have ignored. i see rebukes and admonitions toward people not to throw their trash indiscriminately. But this is a deep failure to understand the problem. Waste management is not just a matter of individual responsibility; it is a collective and state responsibility. Lack of discipline occurs in environments where rules and regulations are inconsistently or inequitably enforced. it is also more likely to occur when one lacks the resources and tools to follow the rules, making the cost of following the rules high. When it comes to waste disposal, we do not make it easy for people to throw their trash responsibly. trash bins and dumpsters are few and far between, considering the density of the communities they serve. trash collection is likewise too infrequent, tempting people to dispose of their trash in other ways lest it accumulate too much at home. simply adding more trash bins and emptying them more
frequently will already increase the likelihood that people will dispose of their trash responsibly. A good supportive system breeds discipline and responsibility. News reports showing mountains of plastic bottles bottlenecking (pun not quite intended) our floodways show that we have underutilized recycling for far too long. our waste management system does not promote easy recycling. recycling adds steps to our trash disposal, and too many people opt out, thinking it’s a waste of effort. What we need to do is integrate it with our regular waste disposal, making it a lot easier for citizens. recycling initiatives exist in various local government units (LGUs), but they generally require that we drop off our recyclables at facilities. if we follow the example of other countries and collect recyclables alongside regular waste, that is one significant step removed, lowering the behavioral cost and making recycling behavior more likely. calamities can also expose someone’s character. During emergencies, we see which public servants rise to the challenge and which ones prioritize their egos. We see some LGUs work tirelessly and silently, impleu PAGE A7
Caring for senior citizens
childhood yaya who managed to build her own house, asked by her son to transfer the title to him and thereafter, the son kicked his mother out. Now she lives in a rented place hardly suitable for her ailing condition. that’s not the first case of parents being kicked out of their own house by one of their children. i have heard of parents transferring ownership of their house to a child who needs it to borrow money. some parents simply want to avoid their children quarreling over the division of the estate after death. But it seems it is no longer a good idea to do such transfers. filial piety is out of style. sometimes, children are too economically hard up to take care of their aging parents. that’s when the government must step in, through DsWD, to help provide alternate care. But no aging parent should be left out on the streets to fend for themselves. if the Lacson bill is passed, it will be a criminal offense to abandon a parent in need of support. Lacson noted that in the Us, 30 states have filial responsibility laws, with approaches ranging from civil
court action to criminal penalties. our problem in our country is the absence of a good old-age pension system. sss provides me less than P15,000 a month, not even enough to buy my prescription medicines and pay for regular blood tests, 2D echo, ultrasound and sometimes the more expensive ct scan. And Philhealth is laughable. some of the bigger conglomerates provide retirement lump sum amounts that should automatically go into an interestbearing investment account. if possible, only the interest income should be used for daily expenses. Unfortunately, the government taxes interest income from bonds and bank deposits. since the government is unable to provide adequate social safety net benefits to cover health care and living expenses of senior citizens, the least it should do is to exempt interest incomes of people who have already retired from their regular jobs or occupations. for the longest time, our government has been taxing interest earned by bank savings accounts at the rate of 20 u PAGE A7
the confronting truth of this article may be an affront to some. Bear with me as i make my case and present my recommendations. the reality we must face is that the country is performing far below its potential. in fact, we have been underperforming for years. We belong to the most progressive region on earth yet we remain a development laggard. Among our peers in AseAN, the Philippines is dead last in economic competitiveness, in fDis and exports, in per capita income, in education, in future readiness, in tourism arrivals, in safety and security, in digitization and in technology adaptation. there is no reason why the country should be performing this poorly. After all, we have a strong workforce at their prime working age, we have the world’s fifth most mineral-rich terroirs, the most biodiverse marine resources and most strategic location in the gateway of southeast Asia. many countries have succeeded with much less.
After decades of writing about
WhAt would you do if you were “kiss-cammed,” “caught in the act” or “coldplayed” beyond deniability? how do you recover after millions of memes, reenactments, spoofs are done about it?
there are allegedly over 50 million-plus netizens who’ve watched the Kisscam video of the accidental exposé of an “affair” during a coldplay concert. if you have not, just google “coldplay Kisscam” or “ceo caught by kisscam/coldplay.”
the incident was the perfect series of unfortunate events, starting with the Kisscam focusing on PDA couples or “publicly displaying affection,” until one couple reacted in sheer terror and embarrassment seeing themselves on the concert screens.
Unfortunately, their next move was tragically hilarious as they broke for cover, the woman hiding her face, the man ducking behind the seats and a woman
Breaking the cycle of failure
our eco-political system, it has become crystal clear that the reason for our underperformance is bad governance, resulting from poor quality political leaders.
Look around you – some of those dictating national policy in the executive and legislative branches do not even have a college degree. some are drop outs. many have been criminally convicted. others are mere scions of dynasties without governance experience. A few are unabashed traitors whose loyalty lies with china. the overwhelming majority are stained with corruption scandals. What do you expect from such a cast? Garbage in, garbage out. it takes a lot for me to say this – but the core flaw is our democratic electoral system. the chinese system of meritocracy is far superior in as far as the selection of high-level government officials are concerned. china does not have elected leaders at top of government positions because national leadership is too important to be a popularity contest. instead, the chinese communist Party chooses its leaders based on performance and meritocracy. in the chinese system, potential leaders start as village administrators. if he performs well for over
five years, he is allowed to move up to township administrator. he can move up to provincial, prefecture and national level, respectively, after an unblemished and successful performance in each post. his performance is assessed by the ccP based on measurable matrices, loyalty and integrity. only after 20 to 30 years can political leaders serve in the parliament or as president. What are the advantages of this system? the right leaders are placed in the right position based on their expertise, past performance and record of integrity. false promises, emotional appeal and celebrity power becomes irrelevant. the system is immune to the inclinations of the uneducated who tend to vote based on name recall and bribes. meritocracy is long term in its orientation. even now, the chinese are already grooming their leaders for 2050 based on the foreseen geopolitical landscape, economic conditions and technologies that will be prevalent then. in contrast, democratically elected candidates plan only for the next elections. their actions are centered around what will get them re-elected. hence, the inclination u PAGE A7
Coldplayed
next to them smirking in obvious amusement. that in itself amused the audience but it was the cheeky off-the-cuff remark of band leader chris martin that did the couple in: “oh look at these two, either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy.”
it turned out the man was a company ceo and the woman the company’s head of hr the ceo was married and the hr manager, i read was recently divorced.
it has been a long time since a simple Kisscam video has caused a viral global reaction. in the beginning people enjoyed the dark humor in the situation but it didn’t take long before many called it “just deserts” or their deserved outcome.
After a few days, millions of people began to publicly state their view or sentiment regarding “infidelity,” “an affair” and poor judgment. this i have to say was a departure from the practice of “minding your own business, being politically correct or respecting peoples’ choices or privacy.”
one lady associated with the team in charge of the Kisscam
coverage was quite unapologetic about the incident, saying the couple’s PDA and reaction did them in. her parting words, “You play stupid games, you win stupid prizes. Needless to say, many women were livid about a couple of cheaters who actually attended such a public event while grown kids and the ceo’s wife were clueless at home. others expressed disbelief that the couple would date in such a public event. reacting to the workplace “affair,” executives and employees all said: “Don’t put dirt in your own backyard.”While many don’t talk openly against it, executives clearly disapprove of such behavior. the incident reminded me of a statement i once heard pointing out that “modern life,” movies, etc. are responsible for taking the sting out of adultery, theft and other oldworld sins. those who control our language have lessened the severity of our sins, calling them poor judgment. But think of it as a crime instead of as an “affair” and then things get serious. Yes, as far as i know, marital u PAGE A7
ManilaTimes.net photo
Andrew J. MA
The Corner Oracle
P3.9B into P23.5B: San Miguel completes
Meralco stake deal, unlocks long-delayed gains
by AJPress
mANiLA — san miguel corpo-
ration (smc), led by ramon s. Ang, has acquired a 3.8-percent stake in manila electric company (meralco) for approximately P3.9 billion, finalizing a 2008 agreement with the government-owned Land Bank of the Philippines. the transaction involved 43.23 million shares sold at a fixed price of P90 per share, significantly below meralco’s market value at the time of sale.
According to data from the Philippine stock exchange, meralco closed at P544.50 per share on the trading day prior to the block sale. the agreed sale price reflects a discount of more than 83 percent from market value. Transaction based on 2008 agreement the sale stems from a share purchase agreement executed in 2008 between Land Bank and an smc-affiliated entity. the deal was delayed due to legal proceedings, including a case before the sandiganbayan, which issued a
resolution in 2024 allowing the transaction to proceed. the shares were transferred at the original P90 per-share rate specified in the 2008 agreement. No new price was negotiated. Current market valuation At a current trading price of approximately P545 per share, the 3.8-percent stake is valued at around P23.55 billion.
• Shares Acquired: 43.23 million
• Purchase Price: P90 per share
• Total Investment: P3.89 billion
• Current Market Price: P545 per share
• Current Value: P23.55 billion
• Difference in Value: P19.66 billion the stake was acquired through a block sale and does not involve board control or voting majority. Government explanation
Land Bank officials stated that the sale was carried out in compliance with a court-approved transaction and a legally binding agreement established in 2008. Government sources clarified that
the state was not in a position to renegotiate the terms after the sandiganbayan ruling affirmed the enforceability of the original sale contract.
Background and market context san miguel previously held a controlling interest in meralco between 2008 and 2009 before transferring its holdings to the first Pacific Group, a hong Kongbased investment management firm led by filipino businessman manuel V. Pangilinan. Pangilinan serves as managing Director and ceo of first Pacific and chairs several of its Philippine affiliates, including PLDt inc., metro Pacific investments corporation, and meralco.
the recent acquisition revives smc’s equity position in the utility company, though in a minority capacity. the transaction comes at a time of continued investor interest in infrastructure and energy assets, with meralco remaining the country’s largest electricity distributor. n
Former US ambassador to PH slams Trump...
U.s. military cooperation in the Philippines. many also criticized the lack of engagement with the filipino community during the president’s stay.
Jom Dolor, a community organizer with migrante UsA, condemned what he called a lack of consular support for detained filipinos and ongoing human rights concerns in the Philippines. “our people are getting disappeared and detained,” Dolor said.
Caring for senior citizens
percent. What was exempted before was the interest on fiveyear time deposits. the idea was to encourage long term savings suitable for retirees. Now that’s taxed 20 percent, too.
Dof is claiming they are just equalizing the playing field because the old system is unfair for depositors who cannot afford to park their money in longterm deposit accounts. so, why not remove the tax on shortterm deposits if leveling is the objective?
Dof also says there is always the option of putting funds in provident savings programs under sss, Gsis and Pag-iBiG because all those remain tax free. Ayun… ayaw pala ng competition ng gobyerno.
taxes if our tax money is spent wisely. for example, our VAt rate is the highest in AseAN at 12 percent. Yet, our peer countries provide better transportation, education, health care and housing. our officials shamelessly steal our money in corruption legalized by pork barrel insertions in the national budget. sana mahiya naman sila and prioritize public benefits.
We have a serious social safety net problem that is likely a drag on our economy’s growth. in the Nordic countries, there is a willingness to accept high taxes (45 to 56 percent of GDP).
be unnecessary if we had proper social safety nets. it is easy to say we cannot afford the kind of social safety nets they have in Nordic countries. But they are just allocating taxes for proper social safety nets. We should
marcos’ visit marked his second to the White house since taking office, aligned with upcoming milestones in the U.s.Philippines alliance – 80 years of diplomatic relations and 75 years of security cooperation. Philippine officials indicated the possibility of inviting trump to the east Asia summit in 2026 during the Philippines’ chairmanship of AseAN.
it is also not right to call the interest earned by funds seniors put into bonds and other investment instruments as passive income. those funds are actively earning interest that retirees depend on for daily living. this new tax rule is once again hitting the middle-class hard. the masa is not affected. they live on hand-to-mouth existence. the rich have more funds than they can spend in their lifetime. the middle-class retirees are, as usual, easy pickings when they need suckers to pay more taxes. it may be alright to pay high
that’s because they see their money being spent for their welfare. they have free or heavily subsidized health care, education (including higher education), childcare and parental leave. the taxes they pay reduces financial strain and enables high labor force participation, especially among women. early childhood education and care is near-universal and affordable, enabling both parents to work. they leverage robust social safety nets as core elements of their economic model, and they are broadly credited with positively impacting economic growth, workforce participation, resilience and social cohesion.
Lacson’s proposed law would
As the two governments refresh their strategic partnership, members of the filipino American community say their voices must be part of the conversation — especially when economic policies directly affect families on both sides of the Pacific. n
Calamity exposes all
menting their disaster response systems. evacuation centers are ready; food packs are being prepared by volunteers. i see some reports lauding marikina’s longterm efforts in flood control and response finally bearing fruit. on the other hand, we have the misguided communications by interior secretary Jonvic remulla, who made inappropriate jokes as he announced the suspension of classes in certain regions. it is disheartening that he doubled down on his ill-toned joke by labeling those who criticized his tone “bashers” and by claiming that that’s simply how he talks. it seems the secretary needs to adjust to the dignity of his office.
i don’t question his good intentions, but he needs to realize that how someone jokes says more about them than they realize. By calling citizens trapped in flooded neighborhoods “abangers,” he minimizes their plight and likens this to any other rainy day. his joke that he was so full from eating that he fell asleep shows his privilege. it also makes me wonder how a DiLG secretary seems to be so leisurely amid a disaster that affects multiple regions. Note to public officials: your tone matters. in a calamity, keep it sincere. People need to know that their government is there for them. if i cannot dissuade you from jokes, as the secretary said, he simply hoped to provide “good vibes”;
don’t joke at the expense of constituents. Punch up, not down. calamities also expose our strength. there are many heartwarming stories of volunteer and relief efforts. of people saving each other and keeping each other safe. Jokes of the right tone that allow people to take mental relief from the heavy toll of the rain. calamities show the real Philippines, both the good and the bad. (Inquirer.net)
* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * * aatuazon@up.edu.ph
Breaking the cycle of failure
towards populist policies even if damaging. case in point, the 18 senators who voted to remand the impeachment case of sara Duterte to congress. for them, political survival is the end all, be all. their ilk are the reason why the Philippines is a perennial laggard. in my opinion, they represent the very traits of filipino politicians that have relegated us to failure. in short, the chinese electoral system promotes competence while democracy promotes popularity. the chinese system aims for collective benefit. the democratic system is all about perpetuating the politician in power at all cost. this leads politicians to engage in populist acts such as squandering their pork barrel on hand-outs rather than on meaningful development projects. in the chinese system, plans are carried out with consistency over the long term. in the democratic system, policy flip-flops and finger pointing are aplenty as politicians try to correct populist policies done by past administrations. i am not suggesting that we turn
infidelity is a crime in the Philippines and depending on how you get involved, determines if you are an accomplice or not. i am certain that in the future we will hear about lawsuits involving workplace-tolerated infidelity/ crime. But how does one deal with the situation? memes have come out about the lady next to the couple, suggesting she is the officemate who knows everything going on in the office. the mythical officemate may not have been an accomplice but would be guilty of complicity, knowing about the affair. everyone has been asking what do you do when you catch a friend’s wife or husband cheating with someone else? the general response was, “look away,” “mind your own business” or, worse, people calling it a victimless crime between two consenting adults!
What if someone you caught in the act pleads with you to act like you never saw anything or worse, to actually cover up for him/her? either way, you are dragged into their sin and criminal offense.
communist. Not at all! What i am advocating are electoral reforms to highlight meritocracy and to weed out the morally, educationally and experientially unqualified. The recommendation the chinese system, however superior, may be difficult to adopt since it necessitates a strong political party composed of senior statesmen. We have neither a strong political party nor worthy senior statesmen. that said, our electoral reforms can revolve around imposing strict qualifications for aspiring political leaders. this leans towards the singaporean model. in singapore, aspiring members of parliament are disqualified if: one has been bankrupt and undischarged; criminally convicted and sentenced; has financial conflict of interest and has voluntarily acquired foreign citizenship. While not explicitly required by law, singapore’s ruling People’s Action Party only fields candidates to the parliament if he/she possesses university degree/s; has professional experience in civil service, the military, law, medicine, academia or business, and has a record of community service.
the Kisscam couple are no different from somebody who publicly carries out their infidelity and carelessly or accidentally involves friends or people who witnessed their behavior. in a ladies chat group that addressed the same questions, someone suggested to act clueless and ignorant but find a way to inform the injured party anonymously. that is quite wise and safe because the injured party might blurt out your name in the heat of anger and toss you under the bus! from personal experience, i have often told “cheaters” to keep me out of their mess and to pray to God that their partner/wife/ husband never asks me because i will speak the truth. By doing so, you risk losing one friend but by not telling the truth, you lose both! on a more serious note, i just want to remind Kisscam characters that if you are married, the presumption is you knowingly entered into and signed a contract of marriage. our mistake is we think the contract is between “man
to be the president of singapore, one must have a strong academic background in law, public administration and/or economics. he/she must have held office for at least three years as minister, chief justice, speaker of Parliament, attorney-general, permanent secretary, head of a statutory board or chief of defense force. Additionally, the aspiring president must have served for at least three years as the ceo of a company with at least s$500 million in equity and the company must have been profitable. for us filipinos, we must recognize that competence beats popularity every time. results matter more than rhetoric. Long-term thinking trumps short-term votes. our electoral system must be reformed to reflect this. only then can we live up to our potential. (Philstar.com)
*
* * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * *
email: andrew_rs6@yahoo.com. Follow him on Twitter @aj_masigan
and wife,” conveniently forgetting God as the third party. the agreement between man and wife is to love and care for each other. the agreement with GoD is that if we live under his covenant, he will protect, provide, prosper and propagate us, our lives, families and all we do. however, the contract and covenant is only valid as long as we stay faithful to the provisions thereof. if you violate the contract, you lose all the privileges and rights provided, and so does your spouse, your children, your people and your “house.” the ceo had to resign, is looking at divorce proceedings, losing his family, etc. his dalliance already broke the first contract and has now broken someone else’s. in all of it, the innocents suffer! (Philstar.com)
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *
* email: utalk2ctalk@gmail.com
alone,” said Andrea flores, a senior policy counsel at NiLc “Being undocumented is not a crime—it is a civil violation. treating it as criminal opens the door to unconstitutional overreach.”
in sanctuary jurisdictions such as san francisco, Los Angeles, and New York, local officials say they are limited in their ability to protect residents from federal enforcement but vow to continue supporting legal defense programs, community alerts, and immigrant service hubs.
Know your rights
Legal experts stress that all individuals—regardless of immigration status—have constitutional rights. these include the right to remain silent, the right to speak to a lawyer, and the right to refuse consent to a search without a warrant signed by a judge. several cities have reactivated ice watch networks such
as stopice.net, a rapid-response system with more than 470,000 subscribers that alerts communities of reported ice activity.
Ongoing legal battles
As ice expands its authority, immigration courts are bracing for a surge in case backlogs and detainee intakes. meanwhile, civil rights organizations continue to monitor arrests for possible constitutional violations.
Lawsuits have already been filed against ice’s courthouse arrests and expanded use of detainers without probable cause. for filipino American families and other immigrant groups with undocumented members, advocates advise immediate consultation with qualified immigration attorneys and legal aid clinics.
(AJPress) For legal resources and updates, visit: www.immigrationadvocates.org or www.stopice.net.
For official updates from ICE, visit www.ice.gov.
ICE Chief: Agents will arrest anyone...
LOS ANGELES
Success Story: Petition “dies” twice but still ends up in a green card in encore Citizen Pinoy episode
encore presentation of “Citizen Pinoy” proves how valuable and lifechanging legal status and a green card can be to a person and especially to their children. The story starts with Alice, who years ago ignored her father’s petition for her because she was too busy raising her two sons in Dubai. During a chance meeting in the Philippines with Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel, she was told that her long-abandoned petition could still be reinstated so that she and her family can pursue their green cards.
While visiting her parents in the U.S. and waiting for her petition to be processed, Alice’s father passed away, causing her petition to “die” a second time. Atty. Gurfinkel found other solutions for Alice. Besides the Survivor Act, her husband’s Lebanese Priority Date was also used to expedite the process. Except that her husband was hesitant to move to America because of a long-kept secret. Despite various snags, Atty. Gurfinkel successfully obtained the green cards for Alice and her family. Now, a decade later, Alice lives a more fulfilling life in the U.S.
as a teacher. Her success story continues through her son, Roget, who also greatly benefited from his mom’s green card. He now runs his own successful business fixing and remodeling milliondollar homes and provides for his own family. A green card can be a great blessing that continues to give for generations to come.
Don’t miss this uplifting success story on an encore presentation of CITIZEN PINOY – this Sunday at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) on select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)
Kris Aquino clarifies fan’s health inquiry: ‘Always been cancer-free’
by Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com
QUEEN of All Media Kris Aquino denied that she has cancer.
Kris replied to a comment on her Instagram post last Tuesday, where a fan said she had read comments about the host-actress being cancer-free.
I saw couple of posts on FB (Facebook) that you are now cancer-free, Ms.@krisaquino. So I am here to check hoping it's true! I’m still hoping and praying you’d recover from this! You’re still the best and Queen of All Media. I will include you on my prayers. God is good,” a fan commented.
Kris said that she has always been cancer-free.
I think my having another PET SCAN on the day before Mother’s Day was misunderstood. That was done to check the condition of my autoimmune and long-term COVID damaged lungs,” she wrote.
“Medyo sumobra na kung pati cancer meron ako,” she added.
Kris shared in October last year that she had several tests done, including a computed tomography (CT) scan of her chest and a positron
Vanessa Hudgens pregnant with 2nd baby
by Kathleen a lleMit Philstar.com
A YEAR after welcoming her first baby, Filipino-American star Vanessa Hudgens is again expecting a baby with her baseball player husband Cole Tucker.
Vanessa posted her photos with Cole and her round belly on Instagram.
“Round two,” her short caption read.
Vanessa and Cole announced in July 2024 that they welcomed their first child. They wed in a private ceremony in Mexico in December 2023.
Kris Aquino Kris Aquino via Instagram
emission tomography (PET) scan, noting the latter is done to rule out the possibility of cancer. Kris recently gave another update on her latest health condition following her weight improvement.
The Queen of All Media said that she has two new diseases adding to her current autoimmune diseases.
Filipino-American Hollywood star Vanessa Hudgens and former professional baseball player Cole Tucker are expecting their second child as seen on the July 12, 2025 post of Hudgens on Instagram. Vanessa Hudgens via Instagram
Yen Santos dismisses love child rumors with Chavit Singson
by anne PaSaJol Inquirer.net
YEN Santos said there is no truth to claims she has a love child with businessman Chavit Singson, stressing that the latter is just a “good family friend.”
The actress addressed this in her first YouTube vlog shared on Wednesday, July 23, where she answered the “most asked questions” about her.
The rumors about Manong Chavit and I having a child. Guys, the kid is not our child, he’s my brother,” she clarified. “He’s my youngest brother. I have two siblings.” Santos said she does not usually speak about such matters but that she did so only because she was asked about it. She also noted that she even saw videos on social media claiming that her apparent child is already a preteen. Yes, he’s already 11 years old. But he is not my child with Manong Chavit. He’s my brother,” she reiterated.
It’s funny because [Manong Chavit] is a good family friend. He is the godfather of my sibling,” she stressed. “This has been an
Yen Santos said Chavit Singson is a ‘good family friend’ Photo from Instagram/@ysantos
Guests play slots at Pechanga Resort Casino
In the same vlog, the actress opened up about her last relationship which she described as a “nightmare,” saying it was a “blessing” it ended.
While Santos did not name anyone, it can be noted that she was previously in a relationship with actor Paolo Contis.
issue since I was a newbie in show business.” Santos admitted she did not know how to respond to the rumors, and that she was hurt because her brother got involved. She even quipped that she should invite Singson for an interview so he can clear the rumors himself. Santos also declared during the vlog that she’s “at peace” now and that it means a lot to her to finally feel “this kind of calm.”
A cool $1 Million in cash & prizes turns up the heat in August at Pechanga Resort Casino
TEMECULA, Calif. — Things get hot in Southern California this August with Pechanga Resort Casino giving away $1 million in cash and prizes. Guests only need to remember three things to qualify and win their share of the cold hard cash during these hot August days and nights. Be a Pechanga Club Member. Play with their Club card at their favorite slots or table games to earn entries. Make plans to be at Pechanga Resort Casino every Saturday between 4 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. every Saturday in August to activate those entries and stay to find out if they’re a winner.
Pechanga gives away $100,000 in cash to one winner at 10 p.m. on the first four Saturdays during August. On August 30 at 10 p.m.,
three lucky winners will take home $100,000 each. Hundreds of winners each Saturday will also score Pechanga EasyPlay as part of the $1 Million Giveaway in August. Winners will be randomly selected from all eligible activated entries. Each 10 p.m. $100,000 winner must be present to win and must claim the prize within 10 minutes of being announced. Another winner will be drawn should the prize go unclaimed. Guests earn entries simply by playing their favorite slots or table games any time during the month of August. They should make plans for visiting Pechanga Saturday evenings to activate those entries and find out if they’ll be one of the seven winners to take home 100-grand.
Guests must be 21 or older and a member of the Pechanga Club to participate. Signing up is free and easy. Visit the Pechanga Club desk to sign up or for more information. Pechanga Resort Casino continues to be the Southern California casino giving away major prizes. Pechanga gave away a four-bedroom, three-bath house in May, four Mercedes in July and now $1 million in cash and prizes. The resort/casino has also committed to its home giveaway for 2026. Pechanga also introduced tier matching for 16 casinos across Southern California. For more information, visit Pechanga.com or pechanga.com/ join. (Advertising Supplement)
In losing her hearing, Lani Misalucha rediscovers her voice
by allan PolicarPio Inquirer.net
AT the piano, Lani Misalucha, accompanied by musical director Toma Cayabyab, sang her evergreen hit, “Bukas na Lang Kita Mamahalin,” in a way only she could.
A virtuoso of vocal dynamics, she manipulated volume and intensity, slipping from resonant belts into tenderly caressed notes within the span of a word. Her agility, meanwhile, meant she could seamlessly travel across different registers—chest, mixed, head, falsetto—to better express the ballad’s ebb and flow of emotions.
And when the aching final passage was sung, the intimate crowd that had gathered around her at the Discovery Suites lounge swelled with heartfelt cheers and applause. It was Misalucha, true to form.
Listening to that richly textured performance, one would be hard-pressed to guess that just a few years ago, she didn’t even know if she would ever be able to hear—much less sing—ever again.
Not one singer, even the greatest of them, can escape the inevitable vocal decline over time. Lani Misalucha, at 55, still has hers intact. But what if it were her ability to hear that she lost—and in such devastating circumstances?
Not one singer, even the greatest of them, can escape the inevitable vocal decline over time. Misalucha, at 55, still has hers intact. But what if it were her ability to hear that she lost—and in such devastating circumstances?
In 2020, Misalucha and her husband contracted bacterial meningitis, a serious—possibly fatal— infection that causes swelling around the brain and spine. While the couple couldn’t be more thankful that they pulled through, the ordeal left them with lingering complications, including hearing loss, tinnitus, and vestibular issues.
Forget about singing for now. “How could I even function on a daily basis?” she wondered.
Static and distortion
The first day out of the hospital—and the year that followed—proved to be the most draining in every sense of the word. She could barely hear the sound of her own voice, as if she were covering her mouth whenever she spoke. High frequencies—the clinking of cutlery, the jangling of coins—were auditory assaults. Low tones mostly went by unnoticed.
Her world, once filled with beautiful melodies, now hissed and crackled with static and distortion. The slightest movement sent her head spinning and her eyes darting. “‘My God, is this how I will live the rest of my life?’ I asked myself,” Misalucha told Lifestyle.
“I was backstage, trying hard not to cry,” she said. I didn’t want to sing anymore. How could I, when I couldn’t even hear myself?” Imagine a painter suddenly being unable to see color
In December of that year, the singer returned to the stage for a Christmas special on “The Clash,” a singing contest where she sits as judge to this day. Some once-routine notes veered off pitch. The worst part? She couldn’t even tell that she had gone out of tune.
Although her condition somewhat improved over the following years, she never fully regained her hearing. She remains deaf in her left ear; her right ear works, but feebly so. But maybe that would do, she figured, better than having nothing at all. Despite her initial doubts, her passion for music, come hell or high water, endured.
Acceptance
But if she were to continue doing what she loves most, Misalucha knew she had to take the first important step: acceptance. “I told myself that this is my current state. I have to deal with it and work around it,” she said. “If this is the only resource I have, then I have to make the most out of it.”
Misalucha had no choice but to rethink her approach to singing. She needed to sharpen what remained of her hearing. Regular practice and vocalization were a given. The toughest challenge, however, was staying on pitch. With impaired auditory cues, she had to rely mostly on muscle memory, almost as if she were trying to visualize the tones in her mind.
“Sometimes, I wonder if I still have it in me.
Kakayanin ko pa ba? I wouldn’t know if I don’t try” At first, I was practically guessing all the notes. No kidding!” she said. “The sound I hear isn’t precise, so when I try to hit a low note, it feels like I’m landing a semitone under. And when the instrumentation builds—vocals, instruments, and everything—I feel like I’m hovering just above the right note.
“It was like I was trying to relearn how to sing, like I was rebooting myself,” pointed out the singer, occasionally leaning in to confirm that she had heard the question correctly. “It was very difficult, to be honest.”
But more than a change in technique or a recalibration of her instrument, what also helped her “triumph over the odds,” she said, was a shift in mentality. “Prayers and meditation work. I also surrounded myself with good vibes and positive people.”
Misalucha has been singing professionally for almost 40 years now—first as a band and multiplex singer, and then as a mainstream recording artist. She has several classics under her belt, sold countless records, and held sold-out concerts both here and abroad.
Resilience
By all means, she has nothing left to prove to the world—except, now, to herself.
This Aug. 21, at The Theatre at Solaire, she will headline a concert called, “Still Lani”—her first major solo outing in years—as “a testament” to the fact “that I can still offer the kind of performances people expect from me.”
Fans can expect the usual trappings of a Misalucha spectacle: pop and classical crossovers, with a sprinkling of jazz and R&B. Maybe she’ll even squeeze in some rock or reggae. “Who knows?” she said, laughing. There will be powerful singing, of course, but she would like to believe that it’s no longer as central to her craft as much as conveying emotions. Storytelling over bombast, so to speak. Sometimes, you feel like you’re no longer relevant. But you just have to dust yourself off and keep it moving,” she said. “Sometimes, I wonder if I still have it in me. Kakayanin ko pa ba? I wouldn’t know if I don’t try” Misalucha also hopes to bridge generational gaps by inviting younger music acts such as Ben&Ben and Leanne & Naara, along with theater artists Shaira Opsimar and Paeng Sudayan. Looking back at her discography, it turns out she has quite a few songs that perfectly reflect her ongoing story of resilience. There’s “Tila,” part of which goes: “Tila lilipas
life’s biggest battles, playing softly—and fittingly—in the background throughout the interview. Sometimes, you feel like you’re no longer relevant. But you just have to dust yourself off and keep it moving,” she said. “Sometimes, I wonder if I still have
Lani Misalucha Photo courtesy of Backstage Entertainment
CDPH recommends Families add vaccines to Back-to-School checklists
Keeping up to date with vaccinations protects our schools and communities and helps ensure students stay healthy and ready to learn
SACRAMENTO — During Na-
tional Immunization Awareness Month in August, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is highlighting the importance of routine vaccines as students return to school. Vaccination prevents the spread of serious illnesses, reduces hospitalizations, saves lives, and helps keep kids in school and doing the activities they love.
While California’s immunization rates for kindergarten students remain higher than the national average, CDPH wants to keep rates high and continue to protect California children and communities from vaccine-preventable diseases. CDPH recommends families stay up to date on all vaccinations for the new school year.
“When our youngest Californians are healthy and able to participate in learning and doing the things they love, the future of California is brighter,” said Dr. Erica Pan, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer. “As a parent and a pediatrician, I am grateful for and confident in the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, which have transformed the leading causes of childhood deaths away from infectious dis-
eases. CDPH remains committed to ensuring all California families have access to safe and effective vaccines, and the information they need to understand that vaccine recommendations are based on credible, transparent, and science-based evidence.”
Due to large outbreaks in other states, the number of measles cases in the U.S. as of July 2025 are already higher than any year since 2000, when the World Health Organization declared the disease eliminated in the United States due to vaccination.
Over 90% of this year’s cases were not vaccinated, and more than 1 in 10 of those infected with measles were hospitalized, some in intensive care units.
Three people have died this year from this entirely preventable disease, reminding us of the importance of immunization. California continues to report more than 95% coverage among kindergarteners for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. While the state has maintained the level of vaccination necessary to prevent community spread for nearly a decade, it remains critical that our children and communities stay protected through continued vaccination.
Required Immunizations: California law requires students to receive age-specific immunizations to attend public and private schools and licensed childcare centers. Schools and licensed childcare centers are required to enforce immunization requirements, maintain immunization records of all children enrolled, and report children’s immunization status to CDPH.
Families can visit CDPH’s Shots for School and Don’t Wait – Vaccinate! webpages for information on immunization laws and required vaccinations for students in California.
Resources for Families: CDPH encourages families to seek reliable information to learn more about vaccines, including visiting the CDPH Vaccine Facts webpage. Families can also speak to their health care providers or contact their local health provider for help in finding a place to get immunized. Most health plans cover recommended vaccinations with no out-ofpocket costs. Children without insurance coverage qualify for the Vaccines for Children Program, which provides no-cost vaccines for eligible children. (CDPH Release)
Kylie Verzosa shares glimpse of newly acquired Villa in Puglia, Italy
by Yoniel acebuche Philstar.com
KYLIE Verzosa just made a big move—and it's one straight out of a Mediterranean dream.
In an Instagram post, the Miss International 2016 titleholder revealed that she and her friends have purchased a stunning villa, called Villa Sogno, in the picturesque region of Puglia, Italy.
Bought a house in Italy," Kylie said in an IG story, while tagging some of her friends, including Danish musician Tomas Barfod. Barfod, on the other hand, celebrated by sharing photos of their new home with the caption, We bought a villa." He tagged Kylie and four other friends: Chiara Yee, Emil Eriksen, Enzo Yee, and Oscar Trap.
Villa Sogno has distinctive features including a private courtyard, a pool, cobblestone paths, and elegant arched facades. It also houses six bedrooms and four baths.
Moreover, the place also caters to an old-fashioned yet elegant ambiance, thanks to its arched windows, light-colored stone walls, and curved ceilings that glow.
In the dining and kitchen area, rustic furniture like a wooden farm table and wicker chairs give the room a cozy
and other earthy decorations.
The rustic vibe also translates to the bedroom, which has walls designed with curved stone by the ceiling and a canopy bed frame lined with white curtains. A freestanding bathtub sits at the foot of the bed. Beaches like the Torre dell'Orso, Baia dei Turchi, Alimini Beach, and Spiaggia di Porto Badisco are 20 minutes away from the property.
Kylie bagged the Miss International title in 2016. She also clinched the Best Actress award at the Distinctive International Arab Festivals Awards 2022 for her performance in the movie The Housemaid. In 2024, she also launched her business venture, shapewear brand SOLÁ.
Giselle Sanchez regrets Cory Aquino role in ‘Maid in Malacañang’
by JeSSica ann evangeliSta Inquirer.net
GISELLE Sanchez revealed that one regret she has in her life is when she took on the role of the late former president Corazon “Cory” Aquino in the controversial movie “Maid in Malacañang,” directed and written by Darryl Yap.
Sanchez expressed her regret in a recent guest appearance on “Long Conversation: The Men’s Room,” saying she wished she could have thought “better” before accepting the role, considering she is a University of the Philippines (UP) graduate.
“If there’s only going to be one regret in your life, that would be my regret, to have chosen that role,” she said. “I should have thought about it better. They say, ‘You’re from UP; what did you do that for?’”
The actress-comedian explained that at the time she only considered being an artist but not a “responsible citizen.”
“I didn’t think it through. I should have considered, I’m from UP. I should have thought about my country before I accepted that role because at the time, I only thought about being an artist, so I would perform many roles. But there are implications. You still have responsibilities as an artist that I should have prioritized,” she
emphasized. Sanchez faced backlash in 2022 after a promotional teaser showed her character as the former president playing a game of mahjong with Carmelite nuns.
The actress revealed that she opposed filming the scene when she learned that she would be playing mahjong with the nuns. However, the comedian shared that she was promised the scene was only for promotion and would not be part of the full movie, saying, “It was true, they were not nuns in the movie, but the teaser is more popular than the film.”
Sanchez became teary-eyed when she recalled the time her nun friends in real life asked her about the scene. “I’m a devout Catholic. It was truly a heavy feeling for me at the time. But then
again, it has been done,” she said in Filipino.
Following Sanchez’s interview, Yap posted a statement on Facebook saying he “understands” where the actress is coming from.
I understand her sentiment,” wrote the director. “The only thing I don’t get is, ‘You’re from UP, why did you accept that?’ Why? Is the atmosphere different in UP?”
Upon its release, “Maid in Malacañang,” which follows the Marcoses in their last 72 hours in Malacañang, was criticized for historical distortion. Its sequel, “Martyr or Murderer,” tackles the assassination of former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. in 1983.
Last year, Yap revealed that “Maid in Malacañang” would be made into a 16-episode series.
Karla Estrada, Sunshine Cruz’s daughters to sign with Star Magic
by JeSSica ann evangeliSta Inquirer.net
STAR Magic is set to welcome new additions to their family, including Karla Estrada’s youngest daughter, Carmella Ford, and Sunshine Cruz’s eldest daughter, Angelina Cruz.
Carmella is the youngest sister of actor Daniel Padilla. They have other siblings, Jose Carlito and Magui Ford. According to her teaser video, Carmella aspires to be an actress. Angelina, on the other hand, who aspires to be both a singer and an actress, is the daughter of Sunshine and actor Cesar Montano. She has younger sib-
In an Instagram post, Kylie Verzosa revealed that she and her friends have purchased a stunning villa, called Villa Sogno, in the picturesque
feel. Its big, modern light fixture hangs overhead, along with ceramic lamps
Carmella Ford (left), Karla Estrada’s youngest daughter; and Angelina Cruz, Sunshine Cruz’s eldest daughter. Photos from Instagram/@starmagicphils
Giselle Sanchez Screengrab from YouTube/The Men’s Room
Teaching Has Been My Passion — Shaping Minds and Hearts
Having reached the rank of Associate Professor 3, or Senior Lecturer 1, is a feat. I began as Assistant Professorial Lecturer 2 at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila’s College of Mass Communications. Then later at De La Salle University in Dasmarinas, Cavite as Assistant Professorial Lecturer 4. I moved to De La Salle Araneta University in Malabon City to teach business subjects, while also teaching at the Conrado Benitez Institute for Business Education at Philippine Women’s University in Manila.
During President Noynoy Aquino’s administration, I began teaching at Far Eastern University in Manila while pursuing my Juris Doctor degree as a sophomore at its Institute of Law, where I was privileged to learn from distinguished legal minds such as Katrina Legarda, Koko Pimentel, Dean Amado Valdez, and former COMELEC Chair Andy Bautista.
As a way of gratitude to my fellow Kapampangans, I taught in Holy Angel University in Angeles City, Pampanga.
Then I was invited to teach at the University of Makati. From Associate Professor 2, I was promoted to Associate Professor 3. I taught again at Philippine Women’s University-Manila in its graduate school teaching statistics as well as journalism subjects for the undergraduate college level.
At Mabalacat City College in Mabalacat, Pampanga, I taught international marketing, introduction to marketing, organizational management, human behavior in organization, management and organization, and economics (and maybe soon customer analytics).
***
The Dean of Mabalacat City College’s Institute of Business and Computing Education is Myrna Cuento-Calma, CPA, MBA, Ph.D., FRIAcc.
She took her BS Accountancy at Philippine School of Business Administration, her MBA at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and her Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management at Pampanga State Agricultural University. She is reliable and hardworking,
and has a practical hands-on approach and always perseveres to achieve the best results. She possesses excellent communication and problem-solving skills with demonstrated leadership strengths and proven ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a fastpaced environment with critical deadlines.
“Poverty motivates me to work harder in achieving my dreams... Families are my inspiration in doing all the best I can in every step and possible way towards the realization of my dreams in life,” she said.
She continued: “I am lucky to have been trained by mentors who are highly dignified, humble, with unquestionable integrity, and have respect for everyone regardless of status in life.”
It is interesting to note that during her high school day in Sta. Rita, Guiguinto, Bulacan, she was the editor in chief of a school paper, The Light of Wisdom. She was a writer at Atlas Publishing during her college days. ***
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recently had the honor to have dinner with Senator Katie Britt, Chair of the US Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security. They discussed how “we can best work together to protect our homeland, essential infrastructure, and keep the most secure border in American history.”
Secretary Noem is a mother, grandmother, farmer, rancher and small business entrepreneur.
***
Thanks to the 5th Dangal ng Lahi Awards held in April 2023 in Baguio Country Club at Baguio City’s Camp John Hay for the Philippines’ Man of Influence and Most Outstanding Educator and Journalist of the Year recognition. In May 2023, I was honored by the 7th Asia Pacific Luminaire Awards as Asia’s Man of Influence in the Field of Education and Most Outstanding Inspiring Educator of the Year at the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila. I was with comedianne-singer Beverly Salviejo and veteran multiawarded actress Elizabeth Oropesa who later treated Beverly and me in a Japanese restaurant.
***
As a child, I witnessed my aunts’ passion to teach: Lucia Calzado Bendicio in Ramon Magsaysay High School in Manila; Lourdes Calzado Bendicio in Pio del Pilar Elementary School in Makati; and Pilar Bendicio De Mesa in Legarda Elementary School in Manila (she is
now in Iceland taking a vacation). ***
I was educated in Aquinas School in San Juan City, Saint Andrew’s School in Paranaque City, De La Salle University-Manila, University of the Philippines-Diliman, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, University of CaliforniaBerkeley and University of Oregon.
***
48th San Francisco Marathon 2025 has had an array of exciting events and heartwarming stories.
“We are thrilled to present an even more exhilarating and inclusive experience for the 48th San Francisco Marathon,” said Lauri Abrahamsen, Race Director. The incredible stories of the participants and the unwavering support of SF Marathon 2025 partners embody the spirit of perseverance and community that the San Francisco Marathon represents.
This year’s event also shone a spotlight on remarkable
individuals. Skout, an inspiring social media personality and runner, served as an official ambassador, bringing his unique blend of humor, authenticity, and dedication to mental health advocacy to the forefront. Also, acclaimed Bay Area rapper P-Lo committed to running his first full marathon, adding a new dimension of celebrity and inspiration to the event, a celebration of athleticism, community, and the unique spirit of San Francisco.
*** Philippine President Bongbong Marcos recently made an official visit to Washington, D.C., where he met with U.S. President Donald Trump to reaffirm the strong and enduring relationship between the Philippines and the United States.
*** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
*** rogeliocmedina@yahoo.com
Rogelio Constantino Medina with the late Holy Angel University President Dr. Luis Calingo
(From left) Rogelio Constantino Medina, comedianne-singer Beverly Salviejo and multi-awarded
Retired teacher Pilar B. de Mesa on vacation in Iceland.
Rogelio Constantino Medina at his alma mater, De La Salle University in Manila.
Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and US President Donald J. Trump at the White House.
DR. EUSTAQUIO (Boy) Abay, a retired Mayo-trained Fil-Am neurosurgeon in Wichita, Kansas, together with Philippine Secretary of Health, Teodoro Javier Herbosa, other medical and civic leaders in the Philippines, and our group in the United States, are grappling with a rural health outreach program that will provide healthcare access for the underserved people in remote municipalities in the Philippines, especially to those marginalized, suffering in the gutter of poverty.
The main challenge is equitable healthcare access, besides the burden of some diseases.
Dr. Abay, who is spearheading this new movement is Chairman of the Filipino American Initiative to Transform our Homeland (FAITH), a subsidiary of the Filipino United Network-USA (FUN8888.com), affiliated with Gawad Kalinga, through the efforts of Dr. Abay.
Our initial Zoom (Manila-USA) Meeting was held on July 1, 2025, and another scheduled for July 24, 2025. The plan is to have a sustainable program for a more equitable healthcare access, to supplement the Universal Health Care (UHC) system, signed into law on February 20, 2019, as Republic Act 11223, with the following key components: PhilHealth, national healthcare insurance for all citizens, and the Department of Health, which will spearhead the national healthcare policies and program.
The who attended the July 1st Zoom Meeting were Secretary Herbosa, Boy Abay, Ernie Ordonez, retired Assistant Secretary of Agriculture, Dr. Ramon Paterno III and Dr. Buenaventura of the DOH, Juan M. Montero, President of the Montero Medical Mission, Domingo Alvear, President of the World Surgical Foundation), Ed Barcelona, Chairman, COPP-SPSA Surgical Outreach Program; and yours truly, Chairman of the Council of Past Presidents of the Society of Philippine Surgeons in America (COPP-SPSA), a 501(c)3 Humanitarian Foundation in the United States.
In the Philippines, “about 75 percent of cities and municipalities have an insufficient number of healthcare workers,” according to the Philippine Institute of Development Studies. The DOH reported “38.46 of 6th-class municipalities do not have doctors.”
Pastor’s
Notes
reverenD
roDel G. BAlAGtAs
AS many of you know, I have recently developed a deep devotion to St. Rita, the patron saint of impossible situations. I prayed for her intercession during my sister’s battle with cancer, asking her to plead with God to spare my sister from suffering and death. Unfortunately, it was not part of God’s plan for our prayers to be answered in that way, as my sister passed away last week after enduring so much pain and suffering. However, my sister’s death did not fill me with resentment toward God, nor did it lead me to doubt the intercession of the saints. I truly believe that God answers our prayers through the intercession of saints in different ways.
For instance, I trust that St. Rita’s intercession helped us convince my ailing sister to accept a caregiver, despite the financial implications. We were also able to make the right decision to bring her to our family home for her remaining days in hospice, with her agreement. She found these two significant transitions in her life challenging, but thanks to St. Rita’s intercession, we received the guidance we needed from God, which eased our family through these difficult situations.
As I reflect on my spiritual connection with St. Rita,
Rural health outreach
Around 40 percent of Filipinos live in rural areas, but only 10 percent of healthcare workers serve these forsaken areas; the 90 percent practice in the urban areas for obvious financial advantage. They, too, have families to support. The situation is most unfortunate. Indeed, poverty sucks! For more than half a century since the 1960s, Filipino physicians at home and abroad have been doing medical missions to rural areas in the Philippines to help address this sad state of healthcare for the poor. Well-intentioned, these humanitarian projects are inadequate, hampered by life’s realities and insurmountable logistical problems. These missionaries take off from their medical practice for about 2-4 weeks, pay for their own airfare from the United States, Canada, etc., purchase medications and equipment to use in their mission, spend for their local transportation, food, and hotel stay in the Philippines, once or twice a year. The average expense for each missionary is around $3,000, or around $5000 if accompanied by a spouse, which is the usual case. Always longing for Philippine-style Christmas, most of these medical missions are held in December. This allows the missionary physicians to also visit with their relatives and friends in the provinces.
Part of the realities of this humanitarian venture is the risk of airflights, local security, and the potential health risk of getting infections, like COVID-19, tuberculosis, hepatitis, malaria, dengue, trichinosis, and other parasite infections. I have surgical colleagues who were hospitalized for some of these conditions while we were on our tandem missions in two separate rural areas.
As Chairman of the COPP-SPSA, yours truly, together with Doctors Hernan M. Reyes, Bayani Ignacio (Canada), Ed Barcelona (chairman of our COPP-SPSA medical mission), Rolly Mendiola, the late Daniel C. Fabito (Executive Director) and Juan Montero, have been coordinating with the Philippine College of Surgeons in Quezon City (thru Dr. Beda Espineda) to provide a surgeon and an anesthesiologist in rural towns where there are none (funded by the COPP-SPSA) for 3 months at a time. The COPP-SPSA also did its medical-surgical missions. However, these missions in general are scattered, uncoordinated, disorganized, and not comprehensive as one single program as it should be. Various Fil-AM, Canadian-Filipinos, and other groups of physicians
around the world put together their “own mission in the towns they choose, usually their home towns, many times serving the same town each year,” missing many other “more deserving rural areas.” And 2-4 weeks of healthcare access is only a band-aid solution. They are also not sustainable since most of the physician missionaries abroad are in their 70s and 80s, a vanishing breed of expatriates.
The Universal Health Care, alone and in itself, will not be able to fully address the dilemma of inequity to access medical care in the Philippines. This is where this new plan, inspired and fully supported by Secretary Herbosa, comes in. This new rural outreach partnership will replace the soon-expiring, evanescent, medical missions from abroad, which might last for another five to ten years, maximum, since there are no more physicians allowed to enter the United States.
I have suggested to Secretary Herbosa to consider making it mandatory for new graduates of various residency training to spend a year of service (private practice, paid through the UHC) in a town with no physicians or surgeons. They will be assigned to DOH-chosen municipalities in need, and replaced each year after their one-year stint. This could cover about 6,000 underserved towns with uninterrupted healthcare each year.
We are hopeful and keeping our fingers crossed for this much-needed compassionate novel health care outreach project, a partnership among private/ public/government sectors to come to fruition and start to serve those underserved, marginalized kababayan of ours.
May God bless the Philippines!
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * * Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was a recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, U.S. senator, and later a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry S. Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, Astronaut Gus Grissom, scientists, and educators. (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com; Amazon.com (“Where is My America?”); Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.
God’s terms and ways
I remember the chapel in my childhood village in the Philippines, which was named after her. It was there that I received my First Communion, attended Masses and Simbang Gabi, went to Confession, and nurtured my calling to become a priest. St. Rita seems to have followed me throughout my life, even into my adult years.
In reading about St. Rita’s life, I am struck by her profound love for her two sons, her desire to keep them rooted in the Catholic faith, and her refusal to let them seek vengeance for their father’s death. She must have prayed earnestly for their salvation from mortal sin. Having endured an abusive and unfaithful husband, she prayed for his conversion and ultimately succeeded. She demonstrated perseverance, tenacity, courage, and a strong faith.
I see many similarities between St. Rita and my sister, Rina. They both embodied the same attributes: fierce and fearless in faith, unyielding in the face of despair. Like the generous friend in this Sunday’s Gospel, both St. Rita and Rina, who I consider a saint in her own right, possessed golden hearts, never ignoring the needs of others, always compassionate and caring.
As we reflect on this Sunday’s Gospel alongside the lives of St. Rita and my sister Rina, I invite you to examine your own faith journey. How strong is your faith in God, despite His seeming silence at times? How persistent are you in your
prayers and belief in the saints’ intercession? How sensitive and generous are you to the needs of others?
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for your prayers and support for my sister during her illness and passing. I have never shied away from sharing my struggles with you regarding Rina’s situation; I have been vulnerable with you. Yet, therein lies our strength: ironically, it is through our vulnerability that we become stronger.
Let us remain steadfast in our faith and confidence in God, especially during difficult times and impossible situations. We can learn from those who have demonstrated heroic virtues of faith and unconditional love for their loved ones and friends.
Let’s hold fast to the words of Jesus in this Sunday’s Gospel: “Ask, and you shall receive; seek, and you shall find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.” God responds to our needs, helps us find our way, and opens the doors of possibility—not on our terms, but on His. May God’s grace and speed be with you all!
Your loving pastor, Fr. Rodel G. Balagtas
* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * * Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.
Karla Estrada, Sunshine Cruz’s daughters...
lings, Samantha and Francheska. The talent agency teased the upcoming contract signing of the new artists on its official Instagram page, which includes a collage photo of a pop trio and seven aspirants. “The Star Magic family is getting bigger! Tomorrow, witness a power couple, a promising pop trio, and seven talented aspirants shine as they sign up for an exciting new journey with us,” the caption read. Aside from Carmella and Angelina, the roster of new artists includes Joaquin Arce, Michelle Garcia, Ice Almeria, Iñigo Jose, Christof, and the pop trio Mitra Sisters, composed of Tasha, Julia and Ezri. Michelle is the daughter of actor Patrick Garcia and Nikka Martinez, while Christof is the
son of actress Gladys Reyes and actor Christopher Roxas. As of writing, the said power couple is yet to be revealed. The contract signing is scheduled to take place on Friday, July 25, at 2 p.m. Aside from Carmella and Angelina, netizens are looking forward to seeing Joaquin step into show business, as he is the stepson of actress Angel Locsin with her husband Neil Arce.
Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes
Barrister’s Corner Navigating the child custody move away process in California
THE high cost of living in Cal-
ifornia and over regulation has made a lot of parents evaluate whether to move out of state. The most common states that people move to are Texas, Arizona, Nevada, or Florida where the cost of living is lower and taxes are less or non-existent. However, if a parent with shared custody wants to move away with the children, they must follow a specific legal process to ensure the move is in the child’s best interests. The move has to be allowed by the court through a court order because it will affect the non-moving parent’s custody/visitation rights. A parent cannot simply decide to move with the children without a court order. With the distance between the parents, the existing custody and visitation orders will no longer work out.
If a child custody order is in effect, the moving parent must notify the other parent that they intend to move, and oftentimes, they must often bring a request to modify the child custody and visitation order to court. The parent planning to move must provide written notice to the other parent at least 45 days before the intended move date. The notice should include the new address and contact information, the reason for the move, the proposed new custody and visitation arrangements. The parents can try to reach an agreement on the move and the new custody/visitation schedule can be tuned into a court order by signing a stipulation and order for the move away containing the new custody/visitation orders. This would be the best case scenario where the parents are working together on deciding whether the child gets to move with the other parent and what the new custody schedule is going to be.
If the parents cannot agree, the moving parent must file a Request for Order (RFO) to relocate with the court. The RFO should explain the reasons for the move and how it is in the child’s best interests. The Court will set a hearing on the move away request. Often, the Family Court in Los Angeles would order a Parenting Plan Assessment (PPA2) in which a custody evaluator will evaluate the facts
of your case and make a recommendation to the Court whether to allow the move away and what the new custody/visitation order is going to be. The parties will have a chance to examine the evaluator in court and present their own witnesses. The legal analysis in a moveaway situation depend on the current custody arrangement. A parent with sole physical custody of a child has the presumptive right to change the child’s residence, subject to the court’s ability to prevent a relocation that would “prejudice the rights or welfare” of the child, pursuant to Family Code 7501, which states: (a) A parent entitled to the custody of a child has a right to change the residence of the child, subject to the power of the court to restrain a removal that would prejudice the rights or welfare of the child. (b) It is the intent of the Legislature to affirm the decision in In re Marriage of Burgess (1996) 13 Cal.4th 25, and to declare that ruling to be the public policy and law of this state. Moreover, under California child custody law the custodial parent does not have to show that the move is “necessary,” assuming the parent is moving in good faith. (See Marriage of Burgess (1996) 13 Cal.4th 25). The non-custodial parent can then challenge the relocation by requesting a custody modification based on a showing of changed circumstances and detriment to the child. As discussed in Burgess, the non-custodial parent must show a substantial change in circumstances rendering it “essential or expedient for the welfare of the children” that there be a custody change. Family courts are given the widest discretion to fashion orders and make determinations under these circumstances because each case is unique and these orders determine where, and with whom, minor children will live based on the La Musga factors. The LaMusga Court provided California family judges with a roadmap for deciding whether to modify a custody order in light of a parent’s proposal to change the residence of the child. The following is a checklist of the LaMusga factors family courts will consider:
1.The Child’s Interest in Stability and Continuity in the Custodial Arrangement.
2.A Significant Change in Circumstances.
3.The Distance of the Move.
4.The Age of the Child.
5.The Social Impact of the Move on the Child.
6.The Impact on the Child’s Education.
7.The Child’s Relationship with Both Parents.
8.The Relationship Between Parents.
9.The Wishes of the Child.
10.The Reason for the Move.
11.The Extent to Which the Parents are Currently Sharing Custody.
Move-aways are generally “all or nothing” matters, since there is very little middle ground when one parent proposes to move the child to another state and the other parent is requesting the opposite. The distance becomes a real limitation in crafting a custody arrangement that would be in the best interest of the child. This process can be complicated thus parties are best served having experienced and highly skilled legal representation.
Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that
WIN proudly celebrates 12th Anniversary
Waraynon Initiative Network (WIN) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing public benefit through various means like poverty alleviation, education and culture, and healthcare. Its various projects are geared toward improving the lives of individuals and communities.
In its young life, WIN has had quite a list of successes to its name - benefit concerts in Los Angeles venues in 2014, 2015, 2016 and in 2017, a big concert was held in the Philippines with the participation of more than a dozen church and secular choirs. WIN believes in collaboration with organizations who share their mission, vision and goals. And as such, WIN has a few joint projects to date- a joint production showcase featuring the world-renown Leyte Kalipayan Dance Company (LKDC) in the summer of 2018, participation in the Filipino American Symphony Orchestra (FASO) 10th Anniversary Concert in the fall of 2018. WIN has also collaborated with individuals like You Tube sensation, AJ Rafael on a musical show.
In 2017, WIN did a medical mission outreach making healthcare accessible to the poor communities in Tacloban simultaneously with a music ministry outreach which benefitted about 20 parish choirs in the LeyteSamar region. In 2021, WIN collaborated with another charitable organization, United Catanduanes of San Diego for Typhoon Rolly and Odette relief operations and in 2020 and 2023, partially funded their “Gift of Love” medical/surgical mission. The notable projects remain those where WIN thought outside of the box. When super typhoon Haiyan struck Tacloban City, Philippines in 2013, WIN held a successful fundraising concert in 2014 with the participation of the WIN orchestra and the WN chorale.
This debut benefit concert helped a few parishes with restoration of their churches damaged by Haiyan. WIN also funded a fishing boat through Couples in Christ, to replace the destroyed boat of the fishermen in Samar, Philippines. In 2015, the WIN Chorale traveled to Tacloban City,
Philippines, Typhoon Haiyan’s ground zero, to join a 250-member choir under the baton of then Maestro, Melvin Corpin. Melvin was commissioned to direct the choir and orchestra for the Papal mass. It was a once in a lifetime experience for the chorale to sing in a mass presided by Pope Francis. The breadWINner project was a promise made in 2013 to develop sustainable livelihood projects. However, due to the over-saturation of this type of project, WIN decided to defer implementation to 2019 through a 9-day culinary course where 30 participants acquired skills to become breadwinners for their families. Most of the graduates of this short course have been employed by the local restaurants and bakeries in Tacloban.
Flash forward to the pandemic. WIN in its “think outside of the box” philosophy, decided to implement a few initiatives to respond to emergent needs. WIN aptly coined the slogan, “Help us WIN this fight”, as its response to the pandemic. The masks and meals initiative was launched. A
total of 850 masks were distributed to about 2 dozen hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities where frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) were in need of personal protective equipment. WIN also provided meals in appreciation of all the hard work and dedication of the HCWs and the postal workers, donated to two food banks (Isaiah’s Rock and Mary’s Kitchen) joining the fight against hunger, and sponsored meals for the Senior Ministry of the Cathedral Chapel of St. Vibiana in Los Angeles.
The pandemic did not stop the fundraising efforts. In 2020, WINter Harmonics was launched.
True to the “stay-at-home “mandate, this was a streaming video of WIN instrumentalists performing Christmas Carols online where supporters and benefactors watched from the comfort of their homes and donated money. At the end of the pandemic in 2022, an in-home Christmas caroling fundraiser was done by some WIN members jointly with the choirs of St. Vibiana Cathedral Chapel.
The most recent valuable projects include Feed the Hungry and the Unhoused in Los Angeles in collaboration with the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church on Sunset Blvd., the IweighOK Feeding Program, The San Ricardo Fishing Boat project for the fishermen who lost their boats
to a typhoon, The Women and Children Shelter Project, and the Scholarship Program for Children in the Autism Spectrum.
The WIN corporation has been able to help so many because it has been blessed to receive donations from benevolent individuals, and civic organizations such as the Rotary Club of Ormoc Bay & the Rotary Club of Kandaya have been generous in sharing their resources. Without them, the projects would not be possible.
The organization cannot thank them enough for their continued support!
With success, came loss as well.
In 2014, WIN suffered a devastating loss when its founding chairman, Nonong Agner, passed away due to illness. Then in 2018, a crippling loss came when the musical director and VP for Ensemble and Training, Melvin Corpin, lost his short fight againstcancer.
It is said that one’s person is defined by the legacy they leave behind. Such is the case with Nonong and Melvin. Nonong left a culture of integrity, and loyalty, dedication and commitment to one’s craft. He left a culture of service and kindness to humanity.
That was Nonong’s legacy. Melvin, on the other hand, left behind his beautiful music, pushed people to reach their full potential, even if it meant going out of their comfort
zone. He mentored. Encouraged. Inspired. Most of all, he taught everyone the true meaning of faith and glorifying the Lord through the 2,000 plus songs of praise that he wrote, composed and arranged. That was Melvin’s legacy. WIN is proud to carry on the legacy of its “founding fathers”. The hallmarks of WIN’s existence are its spirit of volunteerism in various acts of generosity and its dedication to a tradition of arts, culture and community service. WIN is an organization who at its core has the heart of a champion who cares and shares; an organization who believes that “it is in giving that we receive”. WIN is constantly in the pursuit of fundraising ideas and always seeking donations, big or small, to thrive and give. The first Charity Ball held last 2023 was such a huge success that WIN is grateful and encouraged to do it again. To celebrate its12th year Anniversary (and for a small donation), everyone is invited to come and enjoy the evening on August 23, 2025, WIN’s 2ND Charity Ball at thePasadenaMasonicBallroom. Ticketsarestillavailable. This will be WIN’s major fundraising event for the year. Please come and support WIN. Please help WIN help others! Proceeds will go to a scholarship program for children in the Spectrum which includes music therapy, donation of musical instruments to deserving organizations or individuals, continuation of the “Feed the Hungry and the Unhoused” project in the Los Angeles neighborhoods and parish communities, ongoing IweighOK project serving the malnourished children of marginalized areas in the Philippines, collaboration with other charitable organizations for a music workshop, and much more! (Waraynon Initiative Network (WIN) is an exempt organization under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and is allowed to receive tax-deductible donations. It is classified as a public charity organization and a nonprofit public benefit corporation in the State of California. WIN has no paid staff and is an allvolunteer organization)
Veteran actor-director Fritz Ynfante passes away
by iza igleSiaS ManilaTimes.net
VETERAN television director and actor Fritz Ynfante died Monday, July 21, at the age of 84, his family confirmed.
Ynfante passed away at 6:30 a.m. due to natural causes at his home, according to family member Peachy Ynfante-Talanay. He would have turned 85 on Aug. 4. He was best known for directing some of the most iconic variety shows of the 1980s and 1990s, including “Penthouse Live,” “Keep On Dancing,” and “It’s A Date.”
Tributes from colleagues and artists he worked with over the years poured in following the news of his death.
Singer and actress Pops Fernandez, who worked closely with Ynfante on “Penthouse Live,” posted a brief message on social media saying, “Rest in Peace, Direk Fritz Ynfante. Thank you for everything.”
Her former husband and cohost in the show Martin Nievera posted a personal and lengthy Instagram post writing, “Today we lost one of the industry’s best and most demanding directors. There was no compromise. It was his way or the super highway! He was a perfectionist to a fault, but that was only because he knew he could get the very best out of all those he directed, mentored and loved. His choice of words were a language all his own, but he got the job done.”
“He gave me my first pair of wings as a tv host on a television show called, “Penthouse Live,” and was a true believer of the Pops and Martin team. He always trusted us with his direction and his gazillion changes on every script. His attention to detail was second to none and he spared no one’s feelings when defending what he knew in his heart was right,” he continued.
“All of these ingredients mixed with love and passion were the makings of a director I am blessed to say was instrumental with my career on television. He was even one of the first directors to turn the concert princess into the concert queen. Tito Fritz I will forever be grateful. I will miss you. Thank you for all you did not just for me , but for all of us whose careers you scolded and molded until each of our dreams came
true. I love you!” Nievera ended. Singer Joey Albert, in a Facebook post, remembered Ynfante and said, “Farewell , beloved Tito Fritz. To you is owed the glory of the 80s music and entertainment industry. You brought class, elegance, much needed discipline, and professionalism that brought our music industry to its golden age. One goodbye was not enough, put the love in the tears we shared then will be an everlasting memory. I will miss you
immensely, but you live in me always… each time I stand on that stage.”
In addition to his work behind the camera, Ynfante took on various acting roles in both mainstream and historical films, including “Jose Rizal” (1998), Gumising Ka… Maruja” and several comedy films with Vic Sotto, such as “Enteng Ng Ina Mo” and “Dobol Trobol.” Details of Ynfante’s wake have yet to be announced.
Actor-director Fritz Ynfante
Photo from Facebool/Fritz.Yfante
Ynfante worked with Martin
WIN Board of Directors. Jiggs Ibarrola, President; Neil Colinayo, Chairman of the Board; Mae Anido, Corporate Secretary; Ma. Cecilia Omega, Corporate Treasurer; Amabel Margallo, Corporate Auditor; Derrick Anido, Board Member; Dulce Ann Caludac, Board Member; Dawn Ferrer, Board Member; Michael Neil Omega, Board Member; Danny Boy Ortega, Board Member; Marla Sabarre, Board Member; Victor Santiago, Board Member; Lizel O. Talleur, Board Member
Philcongen LA swears in first Philippine Honorary Consul in Arizona
– In its contin-
LOS ANGELES
ued efforts to make consular services more accessible to the Filipino community in the State of Arizona, the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles has facilitated the appointment of Ms. Jenny Lynn M. Ho-Vijungco as Philippine Honorary Consul in Arizona. Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz administered Ms. Ho-Vijungco’s oath of office on 21 July 2025.
Ms. Ho-Vijungco will head the inaugural Philippine Honorary Consulate in Arizona. Operating under the direct supervision of the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, the Honorary
Consulate will exercise consular jurisdiction over all counties in the State of Arizona. Its consular services will include the following:
• Consular notarization of documents;
• Issuance of mortuary certificates; and
• Issuance of emergency travel documents.
As Philippine Honorary Consul, Ms. Ho-Vijungco is also mandated to protect and promote the welfare and interests of Filipino nationals, as well as provide assistance to distressed Filipinos within the State of Arizona.
A citizen of both the Philip-
pines and the United States, Ms. Ho-Vijungco holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Business Administration from the Ohio University. She currently works as a real estate developer and as the administrator of a vascular surgery clinic in Arizona.
Ms. Ho-Vijungco also founded Project J.O.Y., a non-profit charity organization that conducts medical missions in remote areas in the Philippines, including its most recent mission held from 3 to 5 July 2025 in Misamis Occidental.
Honorary consular officers are appointed by the Philippine government from among private individuals to perform consular functions on a non-career basis in regions or areas located at a considerable distance from Philippine Embassies or Consulates.
Jollibee hailed ‘Best Fast Food Fried Chicken’ in the US for two consecutive years
by John PatricK ranara Philstar.com
IT looks like Jollibee not only has a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of Filipinos, but also of those in the U.S.
The Filipino food joint emerged in the top spot of fast food fried chicken restaurants in the U.S. for the second time in a row in a poll organized by USA Today. In their latest 10Best article, Jollibee placed number one in terms of fast food chains serving the "most outstanding fried chicken."
This was after readers cast their votes on a list of food places compiled by the newspaper's editors as well as a panel of quick-service dining experts.
"With around 100 stores in North America, and more than 1,700 stores internationally, Jollibee is the largest and fastest-growing Asian restaurant company in the world," USA Today described.
"They're best known for Chickenjoy, the signature juicy, flavorful fried chicken. Order it in buckets or accompanied by sides—and don't forget to dip it in their silky gravy," they added.
The Filipino food place managed to outrank the likes of other popular chicken brands in the U.S. like Popeyes and Chickfil-A.
Jollibee was followed by Guatemalan chain Pollo Campero in second place and Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken in third. In succeeding ranks are Church's Texas Chicken, Guthrie's Chicken, Krispy Krunchy Chicken, Golden Chick, KFC, Chick-fil-A, and Popeyes.
Jollibee USA celebrated the ranking on its social media pages and expressed its gratitude to its customers for their support.
"We love you Jollibee family!
Thank you to USA TODAY 10Best and all our fans for naming us the #1 Fast Food Fried Chicken two years in a row!" they wrote. Jollibee previously placed first in USA TODAY's list in 2024. Apart from this, they were also named as the runner-up for Best Fast Food Fried Chicken in 2023
and runner-up for Best Regional Fast Food in 2022.
Jollibee currently has 103 stores in North America and more than 1,700 stores across the globe, including Taiwan, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, the United States, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Spain. Its signature dish is the "Chickenjoy," which can be ordered with several sides, including rice and gravy, fries, buttered corn, and spaghetti.
Heart Evangelista slams netizen’s
by anne PaSaJol
HEART Evangelista came to the defense of her fellow actress Marian Rivera, after a netizen seemingly tried to lecture the latter about “class” by using the fashion personality as an example. The netizen’s remark came after Evangelista recently shared photos of her reunion with fellow actresses Anne Curtis and Solenn Heussaff, through her TikTok page. Fan account @Espressoww commented, “Ganito ang class, Marian—sa kilos, sa salita, at sa pag-uugali.” (This is how you exude class, Marian—through actions, words and behavior.)
Evangelista did not let this slide as she responded to the netizen, expressing disapproval over the latter’s remark.
“‘Wag gano’n (Don’t be like that). Marian is a woman of her own,” she replied. Several other netizens chimed in on the comments section and admired Evangelista for standing up for Rivera. Several other netizens chimed in on the comments section and admired Evangelista for standing up for Rivera. “We’ve
Daniel Padilla named Outstanding Asian Star at 2025 Seoul Drama Awards
by JeSSica ann evangeliSta Inquirer.net
DANIEL Padilla has bagged the Outstanding Asian Star award at the 2025 Seoul Drama Awards for his performance as Andres Malvar, aka Wolf, in the action-drama series “Incognito.”
Padilla’s win was announced on ASAP’s official Instagram page on Friday, July 25, as they congratulated the actor for his victory.
“Big congratulations to Daniel Padilla for earning global recognition as the Philippines’ Outstanding Asian Star at the 2025 Seoul International Drama Awards for his performance in Incognito! Your talent continues to shine on the world stage — we’re proud of you, DJ!” read the caption.
This marked Padilla’s first win and second nomination. The actor was first nominated in 2023 for his role in the romantic comedy “2 Good 2 Be True,” where he starred alongside his former girlfriend, Kathryn Bernardo, who was also nominated in the same category.
“Incognito” recently wrapped up its first season after six months on air, and the finale hinted at a potential season two.
Aside from Padilla, “Incognito” also stars Richard Gutierrez, Ian Veneracion, Baron Geisler, Kaila Estrada, Maris Racal and Anthony Jennings.
The Outstanding Asian Star is determined through fan voting.
In 2024, Kim Chiu also won the honor for her role as Juliana Lualhati in the drama series Linlang.”
Photo from Instagram/@jollibeeus
PHL Honorary Consul Ho-Vijungco
Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz administers the oath of office to Ms. Jenny Lynn M. HoVijungco as the first Philippine Honorary Consul in Arizona.
Heart Evangelista and Marian Rivera Photos from
Inquirer.net
Daniel Padilla Photo from Instagram/@supremo_dp
Meanwhile, Padilla’s youngest sister, Carmella Ford, has signed a contract with Star Magic to pursue an acting career. Their mother, Karla Estrada, was present during the contract signing on Friday at ABS-CBN. This year’s Seoul International Awards ceremony will be held on Oct. 2 at KBS Hall in Yeouido, Seoul, South Korea.
